Madrid Always Under Pressure - Advocaat
Zenit St. Petersburg boss Dick Advocaat is hoping to take advantage of the constant pressure a club like Real Madrid are always in when both teams square off in the Champions League next week.
Zenit could not have asked for a more illustrious opponent to play against at home as they host their very first Champions League game at the Petrovsky Stadium this Tuesday.
Nine-time European kings Real Madrid will continue their quest for ‘Number 10’ when they travel to Saint Petersburg hoping for their second win in a row in this year’s competition but it is precisely that attitude that Zenit coach, Advocaat is hoping to take advantage of.
“I think a club like Real Madrid is under pressure in every single match,” he told Uefa.com.
“Top teams like them must always win and win and a draw is never enough. But I don’t really believe that they will be under any more pressure than what is normal for them,” he added.
Zenit opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 loss at Juventus while Real Madrid easily accounted for another competition debutant, BATE Borisov. The 60 year old coach, however, is hoping that home ground advantage will give them the extra edge against their prestigious rivals.
“Last season when we won the UEFA Cup, we played with a great deal of confidence at home and this is what we need to show now.
“We also showed maturity away at Juventus, although more determination in attack might have won us the game.
“We need to grow, be confident, and get good home results with attractive football,” Advocaat elaborated.