Kalac prepared for PSV onslaught

By Paolo Menicucci

Having played in Dutch football for four seasons, AC Perugia's Australian goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac knows that PSV Eindhoven will be no pushovers when the Italian side visit the Netherlands on Wednesday for the return leg of their UEFA Cup third-round tie following a 0-0 draw at the Renato Curi stadium.

Tough opposition
"I am expecting the same as the first leg," the giant custodian, who stands 202cm tall, told uefa.com. "I always say that PSV are probably the most difficult team in the Netherlands to play against. It's very difficult to deal with their system, especially when they're on fire when they play at home."

Perugia hope
Kalac was with Eredivisie side Roda JC from 1998-2002, but despite knowing what a force PSV can be at home, he maintained that last Thursday's goalless draw in Perugia was a result his team could build on. "Nil-nil at home is a good result," the 31-year-old said. "PSV are very strong, we knew that from the start. But we go there with confidence, knowing that we need to score one goal to give us a chance."

Kezman denied
Kalac's fantastic save from Mateja Kezman kept Perugia - one of two survivors from last summer's UEFA Intertoto Cup - on level terms with the Dutch champions, as Serse Cosmi side's impressive European run continued. They have conceded just two goals in eleven UEFA competition ties this season.

Domestic troubles
However, things have not gone so smoothly in Serie A, where Perugia have conceded 42 goals and had not won a game until two weeks ago. Kalac is not alone in noting the disparity between the club's fortunes at home and abroad. "You can't explain it," he said. "In the championship, we have had many things go against us, while in the UEFA Cup we have had a lot of good luck."

Kangaroo court
Last season, Kalac often bore the brunt of supporters' anger after poor performances, but his coach always defended him. Following one heavy defeat, Cosmi told reporters: "Just because he is from Australia, it doesn't mean he can jump over the bar like a kangaroo."

Bouncing back
However, Cosmi's faith in his keeper has been repaid this term by some great displays which have been a credit to Kalac's determination. "It was difficult," he said. "You have to work hard and show your character. Once you show character and good performances on the field, it's easy to get a boost."

Personal goal
Now the player hopes to get the fans even more firmly on his side by helping to save the club, who are second-bottom of Serie A, from relegation. "The goal is to win as many matches as possible and try to get out of the relegation zone as soon as possible," he said. "My personal goal is to try and keep Perugia in Serie A. With the UEFA Cup, we'll see what happens on Wednesday."

Performance needed
Back-to-back league wins will have restored some of Perugia's confidence, but the big No1 still has a major role to play if his team are to get a result in Eindhoven and progress to the fourth round of the UEFA Cup.