First place targeted
It is important for the players to know that they are fit, but
every game starts at 0-0, said VfB coach Matthias Sammer at
todays press conference ahead of the UEFA Cup match against Dinamo
Zagreb in the Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion on Wednesday even, after
seeing his side take a 2-2 draw from the trip to FC Bayern München
on Saturday. Nonetheless Sammer is certain that the performance in
the Olympiastadion has boosted his players confidence ahead of the
final game of 2004, but also warned his players from resting on the
laurels earned in a different competition. We are in a comfortable
situation, but I dont want to hear anybody saying that the match
on Wednesday is already in the bank or that Bayern are a much
better side than Dinamo Zagreb. We will have to repeat the good
performance we showed in the Olympiastadion and confirm our run of
form, said Sammer, warning his players that the Croatian side
shouldnt be underestimated.
Soldo definitely out
Sammer continued to admit that the match against FC Bayern was
special for his side and took a huge amount of concentration, but
also stated that his players had put the Bundesliga behind them now
and were concentrating on their chance of achieving something in a
different competition. I am happy that the game will be on
Wednesday and not on Tuesday. That gives us enough time to recover.
If any player has got a problem motivating himself, which I dont
expect, then I wouldnt at all be able to understand it, said
Sammer before adding that the match against Zagreb was very
important and that he was keeping a close eye on his players
performances in training. Elsewhere Sammer will definitely not see
Zvonimir Soldo return to full team training before the match on
Wednesday. The midfielder has been able to train lightly, but he
wont be fit in time for the match against his former club.
Hleb, Meira and Szabics doubtful
Alexander Hleb is also having to take things a bit slower after the
match in Munich. The VfB playmaker is suffering from Achilles
tendon problems, but Sammer believes that the medical staff will be
able to get him fit in time for the match on Wednesday. Fernando
Meira, who missed the match in Munich due to a back problem, should
also be able to return and striker Imre Szabics is also expected to
recover from a cold. Both Meira and Szabics want to train with the
side later this afternoon. Marco Streller is the only other
absentee along side Soldo, as he is still recovering from a broken
leg, with all of the other players ready for action. Stand-in
captain Silvio Meißner is also fit and received some warm words
from Sammer for his performance in the Olympiastadion. He played
brilliantly and is a very important player. Meise is respected by
the whole team and therefore he has the right to speak out. His
performances are well documented by the goals he scores and sets
up, said the VfB coach.
"We know what to expect"
Elsewhere Sammer insisted that he knows what to expect against
Zagreb after having the Croatians watched on numerous occasions. I
have got enough information and will take a closer look at a few
more things. After that I will decide on our approach, because
sometimes small things decide matches at this level, said Sammer,
refusing to comment on whether he will return to a back four or
look to a three man defence like he did on Saturday once again. The
VfB coach described Dinamo as a skilful side that plays as a tight
unit and has been disciplined by new coach Ilija Loncarevic. They
are capable of turning out outstanding displays. Therefore we know
exactly what to expect, but I am still optimistic that we will win
our group. We have targeted winning the group, even though we all
realise the unexpected can happen on Wednesday. Hopefully that
wont happen and we will still be in the competition in the new
year, said Sammer. Elsewhere the VfB coach will be kept up to date
on the score in Heerenveen, but insisted, It is professional to
know the score of the other game, but we will have to concentrate
on our own game.