Paulo Autuori: We will handle tomorrow’s game well

The Ludogorets manager Paulo Autuori spoke at a press conference prior to the UEFA Europa League game against Bayer, which is tomorrow.

‘You are asking me if the game tomorrow is between the group leaders. Being a leader can mean two things – you are either one traditionally or currently. We need to respect every tradition and we also have to consider the current moment’, said Autuori.’I think that it is a good time for Ludogorets to stand against such a strong team. We are going to play against a Bundesliga club, which is a high-level tournament with strong competition. Since I arrived at the club I enjoy working with everyone here and I always thought that we should be a strong competitor to anyone. I think that now is the right moment to prove we are such a club. As a coach I want us to win the game, because defeating Bayer (Leverkusen) would be great. I think that we will make it’, the Brazilian specialist added.

‘Our team will go out tomorrow and play with the right mood, and the fans will contribute for the perfect atmosphere, because the stadium will be full. It is always a pleasure to play in front of a full stadium, because this is where the football magic lies. A good game in front of a cheering stadium is everything. I expect to see quality football. However, playing quality football and being a good enough competitor for Bayer are two different things. I hope both of them happen’, said Autuori.

The manager added that all the players are well, but not everyone will be included in the team composition. Swierczok is out due to an injury.

‘We are no worried about our UEFA Europa League competitor. We respect a club as great as Bayer (Leverkusen), but we are familiar with European football because we have experience. Instead of fear we have the desire to show what we are capable of, because these games are of great significance to everybody! This is the time for every player to give the best he is capable of’, said the captain of ‘The Eagles’ Dyakov, who also attended the press conference.