Misimović bids for Wolfsburg revival

Playmaker Zvjezdjan Misimović hopes VfL Wolfsburg can atone for a shaky start in the Bundesliga as they meet PFC CSJA Moskva, noting: "It's a great opportunity for us and something new for most of the players and the whole region."

Sticky patch
German champions for the first time last season, Wolfsburg are making their debut in Europe's top club competition, but the excitement surrounding their first UEFA Champions League Group B encounter has been somewhat tempered by a run of three straight defeats in the league. The 27-year-old Misimović, however, is adamant that his side are strong and determined enough to turn the corner.

'Something new'
"We want to win this game," said the Bosnia-Herzegovina international. "We have enough quality to have a good season. We are all very happy and excited about playing against the best teams in Europe. We want to give our supporters some good football and make amends for what we have done in the last games. It's a great opportunity for us and something new for most of the players and the whole region."

No surprises
A keen student of the game, Misimović has watched CSKA – who feature his international team-mate Elvir Rahimić in midfield – and feels his side have nothing to fear. "They are a very experienced team; much more experienced than us in the Champions League, but I watch all the other leagues in Europe and one of their players is in my national team, so I do not think they can surprise us," he said.

Soft touch
The crucial thing for Misimović is that his side play it tight in defence, after conceding ten times in their last three league games. "We have to improve our defensive play," he said. "Opposition sides are scoring against us too easily, but it's not just the defenders who have to play better; the whole team does. Maybe we are a bit too attack-minded and forget to defend. We will resolve that issue in the coming matches."

Rest and relaxation
The pressure of mixing domestic competition and European nights is a new one for most of the Wolfsburg players, but Misimović believes they are up to the challenge. "If we keep an eye on our nutrition, as well as resting and sleeping a little bit longer than normal, we will be well prepared for a long, tough season," he insisted. "We have a huge squad with lots of good players, so if someone needs a rest, another player can cover."