PARTIZAN Belgrade head coach Slavisa Jokanovic expects his side to establish a first leg lead in tonight’s Champions League second qualifying round clash against Rhyl – but insists he will not be taking the challenge of the Welsh Premier title holders lightly.
And the ex-Chelsea midfielder has also defended his decision to leave Manchester United-bound star Adem Ljajic at home, stressing it is in no way a show of disrespect towards the Lilywhites.
The current Serbian Superliga champions are big favourites to progress to the next stage at the expense of the Lilies, who are sure to be fired up for the biggest game in the club’s history this evening at Belle Vue.
“We will show Rhyl the respect they deserve, but I believe in our quality and expect us to be in front going into the second leg,” Jokanovic said yesterday.
“I have had a chance to watch some of Rhyl’s matches from last season and feel they play typical English style football.
“We will need to put in a lot of hard work, there will be lots of contact. I expect us to progress, not without difficulty, but I believe we will achieve the target we came for.”
Praising the condition of the Belle Vue pitch, Jokanovic added the surface would suit his team’s brand of football and leaves “no room for excuses” if the result goes against them.
Jokanovic has brought a 19-man squad over to North Wales which includes Brazilian strikers Cleo and the giant Washington, who stands at over 6 foot 7.
The visitors also included numerous internationals in their ranks.
The Serbians are staying in Chester ahead of their Champions League assignment and following the press conference the players underwent a training session to familiarise themselves with the Belle Vue pitch.
The 40-year-old Jokanovic, capped 64 times by the former Yugoslavia, stressed that in over 20 years in football he has come across too many upsets to ever consider Rhyl lightly, but believes he knows the key to victory this evening.
“If we allow ourselves to start playing Rhyl’s style of game then we could be in trouble,” said the manager.
“But if we try to keep to our way of playing then we will not be troubled.”
l S4C are showing tonight’s Champions League tie at Belle Vue live from 7.25pm.
