Leonid Slutski sees CSKA Moscow’s chance at Champions League progression, but admits it hinges on a performance against Roma.
Tuesday evening will see the Russians and Italians face off in Moscow in the fifth round of group stage action level on points in the battle for second spot.
Leonid Slutski sees CSKA Moscow’s chance at Champions League progression, but admits it hinges on a performance against Roma.
Tuesday evening will see the Russians and Italians face off in Moscow in the fifth round of group stage action level on points in the battle for second spot.
“It is hard to play against Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Roma,” CSKA’s Coach Slutski has considered to reporters in preview.
“They are among the strongest teams in Europe and the ranking in the group proves this.
“Roma are a very strong team, the game tomorrow will show us if we can progress through.
“Tomorrow’s match will obviously be important – we have the chance to progress from the group and we need to take this opportunity.
“Roma have a few injuries in defence? Torosidis and Maicon won’t be there, but there will be Manolas, Astori and Cole, who already played against us in the first leg.
“They will not change the way that they play, just as we will not change our attacking game.
“Do we suffer against fast players? I do not believe that Roma have faster players than Manchester City or Krasnodar [who defeated CSKA 2-1 at the weekend].
“When you are playing two matches against Manchester City, who are equally desperate for points, it is difficult to know how to play against them.
“We know from our first match against Roma that they are a very strong side. Tomorrow's match will show if we have learned from our mistakes.”