Marítimo wary of Rangers

By Ben Lyttleton
 
CS Marítimo's new coach Mariano Barreto began his coaching career in Madeira with a confidence-boosting 3-0 win over FC Penafiel and cannot wait for the challenge of facing Rangers FC in the UEFA Cup. "Playing in the UEFA Cup was a big reason why I came to Marítimo," said the former Ghana coach.

Ghanaian experience
Barreto had worked on the coaching staff at BV Borussia Dortmund and FC Lokomotiv Moskva before impressing at the helm of Ghana, who won 16 out of the 18 matches he coached. "My experience at club level has been with top European sides and it will be wonderful to be in a top competition again."

New appointment
Having been appointed on 7 September after Manuel Cajuda resigned following an opening-day defeat by CF Os Belenenses, Barreto has had little chance to get settled in at the Portuguese club before the start of their UEFA Cup campaign.

Rangers worries
Marítimo president Carlos Pereira is concerned that Barreto's arrival may have come too soon to trouble Rangers. "The Scottish team are big favourites for this game and we are concerned about reaching the next round," he said. "They have already played more league games than us and have played in Europe this season too."

Old colleagues
Barreto may not know much about the opposition but he can always ask his captain, Mitchell van der Gaag, for information. The defender played under Rangers manager Alex McLeish at Motherwell FC. "He taught me a lot as a defender and I am looking forward to seeing him again," said the Dutchman.

Leeds experience
Van der Gaag was also playing for Marítimo when they beat Leeds United AFC 1-0 at home in the UEFA Cup in September 2001, but lost 3-0 away. However, he still feels they can benefit from playing the first leg in Portugal, saying: "We did well to beat Leeds and though Rangers are favourites, I think we can do well in the home tie."

Reason for confidence
Barreto, meanwhile, is taking confidence from his side's win against Penafiel. "The way the players imposed themselves in practice and during the game made me satisfied, but I am conscious that they can do even more," he said. "Hopefully that will continue against Rangers on Thursday.

Marítimo tactics
"We always try to be an attacking team that wants to dominate possession of the ball. I want us to keep the ball as much as we can. Even though I only got here last week, I am already delighted at what I have seen from the players."

Difficult draw
Van der Gaag is wary of a backlash from Rangers after they were knocked out of the Champions League third qualifying round by PFC CSKA Moskva. "They will be favourites to beat us and will want to do well in the UEFA Cup because they are not in the Champions League," he said. "But we are confident and we played well in our last game. It is a difficult draw for us but we will give Rangers a tough test, I know that."