APOEL Nicosia vs Zenit St Petersburg preview - Trickovski: We are outsiders

Posted Tuesday, September 13, 2011 by PA

APOEL Nicosia striker Ivan Trickovski accepts the Cypriots are rank outsiders to make it out of Champions League Group G ahead of Wednesday's clash with Zenit St Petersburg.

APOEL were drawn alongside Zenit, Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk in a pool which looks strong without having an overwhelming favourite.

He said: "We must admit that the group is very difficult. All the opponents we face are strong.

"I honestly cannot pick a favourite because all three of our opponents have won a European trophy in the recent past.

"It is impossible to say who the strongest team are. I think the battle for the first two positions will be tough."

Macedonian Trickovski is also aware the financial clout in Russian football has enabled Zenit to bring in a host of top-class players from around the world, adding: "Zenit are a very good team and we approach the game with the utmost concentration.

"In Europe everyone knows Zenit have won the UEFA Cup and were runners-up in the UEFA Super Cup.

"Many players are known by their presence with the national teams. There are internationals from Russia, Portugal, Italy, Slovakia, Belgium and other countries.

"So we can say that we face an emerging European power."

Zenit president Alexander Dyukov agrees with Trickovski's assertion that the pool will be difficult to emerge from successfully.

He told the club's official website: "Porto and Shakhtar are very strong teams.

"Of course the image of these clubs is not so well known and they do not sound as imposing as say Inter Milan, Bayern Munich or Arsenal but matches are not decided by image but by performance on the field.

"And in my opinion, the skill and class levels of Shakhtar and Porto are no lower than the aforementioned teams."

That is not to say Dyukov expects an easy ride in their opener at the GSP Stadium, located just outside the Cypriot capital, especially with APOEL defending a seven-match unbeaten home run in Europe.

"They are a very good team which will challenge us," he added.

"I agree with what (Zenit coach) Luciano (Spalletti) said - the first match will be very difficult.

"APOEL are very good technically and play swift football.

"It will also be hot in Cyprus and they will be backed by their passionate supporters."