CFR Cluj vs Sporting Braga preview - Sergio wants positive response

Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2012 by PA

New CFR Cluj coach Paulo Sergio has called on his players to shrug off last week's shock domestic defeat to Astra Giurgiu and get their UEFA Champions League bid back on track at home to Sporting Braga.

Second place is still very much up for grabs in Group H behind runaway winners Manchester United, with Cluj and Galatasaray sitting on four points and Sporting a further point behind on three.

And Sergio, who only took over at the Romanian club at the end of last month, believes his side know exactly what it will take to overcome a side they beat 2-0 in Portugal in the group's opening fixtures.

He said: "We want to prove our defeat to Astra was just a little accident. I know Sporting Braga very well. I know the club and the coach, and I know it is a strong club and we will have to be fully focused.

"My players know what they need to do. I just need to change attitudes. If they do what they're told, I think we will get a positive result. But we will have to be brave."

Midfielder Matias Aguirregaray is back from suspension for Cluj, while Braga have no new injury concerns as they aim to jump back into contention in the group after a disappointing start.

Braga coach Jose Peseiro said: "We have played very well under pressure and we have players who have the experience of playing in a European final. That will give them confidence for these kinds of games."