Liverpool have to be cautious of ‘Slovak Robben’ in Europa League check at Sparta Prague
Liverpool ought to concentrate on the ‘Slovak Arjen Robben’ after they face Sparta Prague.
Sparta Prague play host Liverpool within the first leg of the Europa League spherical of 16 on Thursday night, with followers touting Lukáš Haraslín as a risk. The Czech outfit have misplaced simply as soon as this season and at the moment lead the Fortuna Liga (Czech First League), pipping their metropolis counterparts, Slavia Prague, to the highest spot by 4 factors.
The sides final met in 2013, enjoying out a 0-0 draw on the epet Arena, earlier than Dirk Kuyt secured a 1-0 victory at Anfield within the corresponding leg. But, Sparta season ticket holder Daniel Schuschu believes Liverpool are a special beast now.
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“It isn’t the identical Liverpool we performed towards 13 years in the past. We misplaced a good recreation 1-0 at Anfield. Sparta Prague has made huge progress since then, even simply within the final yr.
Sparta are reigning champions. Danish Coach Brian Priske led the Maroons to their first title since 2014, ending Slavia Prague’s dominance.
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“Just over a yr in the past, we hadn’t gained the league in 9 years, due to lots of issues with teaching and mismanagement,” Schuschu said. Our head coach is the first ever foreign head coach from non-Slovak or Czech heritage that has won the league. He is one of the best.
“Our main option is to hope Liverpool underestimate us. However, the team believes in themselves a lot now. The head coach wants the players to try and fight for the win.”
Despite respecting Liverpool, Schuschu warned of an attacking threat. The Czechs have netted 55 times in just 23 league games this season. They also boast a resolute defence, conceding just 15 times in the league.
He said: “The most influential player for Sparta will be Ladislav Krejci, who plays as a defender, but he is our main penalty taker. He is so important for the team both on and off the pitch. He organises the team.
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“Lukáš Haraslín is an important player. Many people compare him to Arjen Robben. He likes to cut inside and shoot from tricky angles. However, at times he can become invisible.”
The 27-year-old Slovak has scored 14 and assisted 4 targets in his 29 appearances throughout all competitions, offering one thing to consider for what shall be a younger Liverpool midfield. Schuschu added: “Other teams tend to concentrate on Veljko Birmančević.”
The Serbian has contributed to 22 goal involvements so far this campaign. He will be looking to pounce on mistakes on Thursday evening.
Schuschu thinks travelling Liverpool fans will be surprised by the atmosphere inside the stadium as many casual supporters and families have started attending, moving away from the traditional raucous European atmospheres. “The atmosphere will be good. However, a lot more casual fans, who don’t cheer and shout, will attend.
“The ambiance has taken a dip. Even this Sunday’s Prague derby was quiet. But this will should do with enjoying two derbies in three days. We want at the least a draw to take to Anfield and it’s unlikely we are going to take a clear sheet or maintain one at Anfield even then.”
Sparta dominated Galatasaray within the spherical of 32 successful 4-1 at dwelling securing a 6-4 combination victory.
