The 2008/2009 UEFA Champions League competitions start next week. Our club participates, as is well known, in the first qualifying round matches. In the meanwhile, the opponent of “Sheriff” – FC “Aktobe” Kazakhstan cancels the scheduled match against “Ordabasy” (which was supposed to take place on 11 July in Chimkent) and conducts the training preparation in Russia. Straight after the draw was held, FC “Aktobe” head coach Vladimir Mukhanov expressed his opinion about our team:
- What do you think about the results of the draw?
- Well, “Sheriff” is a serious team, the many times champion of Moldova. Every year the team participates in the UEFA Champions League qualifying matches and, of course, it has wide experience in such competitions. In principle, we have not expected a weak opponent. They all are champions of their countries and therefore they are serious opponents.
- Did you have any preferences on the eve of the draw?
- No. I think it is empty occupation to tell fortunes on coffee grounds.
- Did you watch the course of the draw?
- No, I was busy. Alexey Kosolapov was watching and providing me with the information.
- The Championship of Moldova started on July 2, 2008. Will you or your opponent be at the advantage of that fact?
- It depends on their preparation. Some coaches have an aim to prepare a team for a first match, others train on 80 percent and then gather additionally in a couple of games during a season. In this case, I think, the first supposition takes place. They comprehend the importance of forthcoming international matches, after all. May be, the opponent will be a little short of team-work. But I am sure they played many trial games before now. In any case, friendly games cannot be compared with official matches.
- Will “Aktobe” be strengthened for the UEFA Champions League matches?
- We’ll expect some players arriving for trials. So, there is a hope to strengthen and fresh the team up.
