McClaren: "I expect a different Sporting"

Tuesday 04 August 2009

The result in Portugal (0-0) does not turn the tables.

Sporting Lisbon remain favorites to reach the next round of qualification for Champions League.

"But they haven't seen the real FC Twente yet," says Steve McClaren.

Ahead of the second leg tonight Twente know hardly any personnel problems.

McClaren does not have Bernard Parker and Ransford Osei at his disposal.

The two newcomers are not allowed to play yet.

Goalkeeper Sander Boschker is failing because of his red card in the first leg in Lisbon.

Nikolay Mihaylov will replace Boschker.

"I have a lot of faith in him," McClaren said about the inexperienced Bulgarian.

"He is the kind of player who saves his best displays for the big games. I hope he can confirm that on Tuesday."

"The pressure is on Sporting," the Twente-coach said.

"They must reach the main stage of the Champions League. We want it just as bad, but we don't feel the pressure as we don't really have to."

"I expect a different Sporting. It's clear we didn't see the real Sporting last week, just like they didn't see the real FC Twente. The red card killed off the game."

McClaren thinks the opening minutes to the game will be crucial.

"It's key that we have a good start and gain control over the game immediately. It's clear the first goal will be very important. For us it will be a matter of getting out there and taking our chances but also keeping a clean sheet."