Advocaat prepares Juve challenge

Advocaat prepares Juve challenge
Monday 15 September, 2008

Zenit St Petersburg Coach Dick Advocaat claims his side can trip up Juventus in Turin on Wednesday.

The Old Lady are back in Europe's showpiece club competition and are ready to begin their Group H campaign.

But Juve's first test sees UEFA Cup holders Zenit arrive, looking to draw first blood.

“I think what we managed an incredible achievement last season when we progressed so much and even won the UEFA Cup, but we are still outsiders in the Champions League,” Advocaat told UEFA.com.

“Even in Group H, Real Madrid and Juventus will be seen as the teams to beat, while we will be seen by everyone as fighting BATE for third place.

“But for me this isn't a problem - it is a challenge. If you want to do well at this level you have to try and beat teams like Manchester United and Juventus and I know we can.

“As for Juve, we will have to update our information on them because they haven't been in Europe for a while,” Advocaat continued.

“Our scouts have been analysing the newer players because the likes of Pavel Nedved, Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet are well known to us.

“We can't allow them to have their day because they can beat anyone, but I have faith that we can cause some damage.”

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