Koeman fears 'fortress Mestalla'
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
Article summary
AFC Ajax begin their Group B campaign with a trip to the Spanish champions, Valencia CF.
Article body
By Carlos Urrutia
Koeman warning
"Perhaps Madrid and Barça are better known in Spain but, in my opinion, Valencia are a more complete team. They have quality players and play an aggressive game - they go at you from the start," warned former Barcelona defender Koeman, whose side have the unenviable task of opening their second group stage account at 'fortress' Mestalla.
Away points 'a bonus'
Valencia won all their home games in the first group stage, beating Liverpool FC, FC Basel and FC Spartak Moskva on the way to topping Group B. "Any points we can pick up away from home will be a bonus," Koeman admitted. "The important thing is to win your home games."
Injury problems
Ajax managed that just once in the opening phase, while their only away success came at Olympique Lyonnais. Their chances of a repeat are hindered by the absences through injury of Henk Timmer, Jelle van Damme and John O'Brien, while winger Victor Sikora and defender Nigel de Jong are rated doubtful. However, Jari Litmanen, a substitute in Saturday's league victory at SC Heerenveen, could pull the midfield strings alongside talented tyro Rafael van der Vaart.
Learning curve
"It is important in the learning curve for my players that they play against the best teams in Europe," Koeman said. "I am looking forward to these matches and then we will have a better idea of the qualities of this Ajax side." Valencia's qualities were in evidence when they moved to within two points of the Spanish summit with a 2-0 triumph against Real Valladolid on Sunday.
Aimar absent
The match was also notable for the serious ankle injury sustained by Kily González, and Valencia will be missing another Argentinian international against Ajax - Pablo Aimar. Mista should deputise for the latter, who expects to return for the game against Arsenal FC in a fortnight's time. Meanwhile, Mista will partner either Juan Sánchez or John Carew in attack, with Miguel Angulo coming in for Francisco Rufete.
Carew confident
Aimar's loss "will not affect them", said Koeman, who considers Valencia and Arsenal the favourites to progress from a section also including AS Roma. Valencia's Norwegian forward John Carew was no less confident about home prospects, saying: "I agree with him, of course. Our job now is to win our three matches in Mestalla - starting with Ajax."
