Ketsbaia cautious despite home heroics

Ketsbaia belief
Anorthosis have gone close to reaching the promised land of the last 32 on numerous occasions before but have always fallen short in the third qualifying round. This season could be different, however, as a stunning 3-0 victory in their home first leg against group stage regulars Olympiacos CFP has sent waves of belief around the country that the Famagusta club can finally end their wait. "I always believed that we could win this game but I would be lying if I was to say that I believed that we could win 3-0," said coach Ketsbaia.

Support praised
"A big congratulations needs to go out to my players," continued the 40-year-old. "Although we were not the team in control of the game, we were the most effective in front of goal and that's what counts at the end of the day. We defeated a big club with rich experience in Europe and especially in the Champions League. It's not easy to beat such opponents but it just goes to show what good home support can do in such games."

Testing return
Having beaten SK Rapid Wien 3-0 in Cyprus in the previous round, Anorthosis came through a testing night in the return in the Austrian capital when they went down 3-1. Ketsbaia knows an even sterner test awaits his team in Piraeus, saying: "This is just the first half and we have a very tough game ahead of us in the return leg. We'll need to be fully prepared and fully focused if we want to secure our place in the Champions League group stage."

Dellas experience
One Anorthosis player who knows all too well what lies ahead at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium is 32-year-old Greece defender Traianos Dellas, a major summer transfer coup. The former AEK Athens FC centre-back said: "I know just how hard the return will be having played at Olympiacos' ground in the past. In games like these, one mistake can be costly so we need to be totally ready in two weeks' time." His countryman Ioannis Skopelitis added: "It's a great win but let's not forget we have one more game. We still need to show some respect for Olympiacos because they are a big side and will be even tougher in the return leg."

Valverde belief
Another who knows the tie is not over is Olympiacos coach Ernesto Valverde, although his side will need to improve both their finishing and defending if they are to bounce back at home. "This is obviously a bad result for us," said the Spaniard. "Anorthosis played well but the first two goals we gave away were soft. I believe we can overturn this deficit although it won't be easy. We created lots of chances but just couldn't score. I don't feel that we are out yet."