Gazzaev believes history beckons

By Pavle Gognidze in Lisbon

Ahead of the UEFA Cup final encounter with Sporting Clube de Portugal, PFC CSKA Moskva coach Valeriy Gazzaev insists his side have what it takes to claim the first European trophy in Russian football history.

'Strong character'
"I look at the individual quality of my players, their good form and their tactical ability, and these are the components which will allow us to win the game. Also, to progress so far in a tournament like this you need to have a strong character and we do. My players are up for the task," Gazzaev told uefa.com.

Peak condition
The 50-year-old added that he is happy to have reached the showpiece at Lisbon's Estádio José Alvalade with his squad in good mental and physical condition. "I am very satisfied. After the match in St. Petersburg [CSKA lost 1-0 at FC Zenit St. Petersburg on Friday], a few players had knocks and other minor injuries, but this is now behind us and there are no further question marks over the players' readiness. I know the eleven who will appear for CSKA," he said.

Positive message
While the pundits have pointed to Sporting's home advantage for this final, Gazzaev is unconcerned by the stage for Wednesday's match - despite an expected travelling support of no more than 3,000. "We respect our opponents and we know they are the home side. However, our players can match theirs in terms of ambition, and a final is a final where anything can happen," said Gazzaev, who has presided over CSKA's record-equalling 19-game European adventure this season in both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup.

Vintage blend
Nonetheless, the coach is under no illusions as to the strengths of the Portuguese team, particularly their blend of youth and experience. "Of course, the Sporting side that has reached the UEFA Cup final is individually strong. They have great young players like Ricardo, Fabio Rochemback, Liedson and Roudolphe Douala, and alongside them the experience of Sá Pinto and Pedro Barbosa. It is this blend which enables Sporting to achieve the results they do."

No comparison
The Russian also believes that Sporting's weekend defeat by SL Benfica, which ended their SuperLiga title hopes, will not adversely affect the Lions. "I watched that dramatic match which decided the title race. Benfica were at home while Sporting played without a number of players who are likely to appear tomorrow. As for the result, I think Benfica deserved to win and Sporting were not at their best, especially up front. Perhaps Liedson's absence affected them, but that game cannot be compared to the UEFA Cup final in any respect," Gazzaev stressed.

Speechless
Meanwhile, CSKA captain Sergei Ignashevich is adamant his team-mates could not be more motivated, telling uefa.com: "I don't think I need to come out with words of motivation. Everyone understands it's not every year we get to play a game like this. I think even the coaches shouldn't say anything special - every player realises what is at stake."