Fenerbahçe coach Luis Aragones is banking on his side’s impressive home record when they face Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday.
The Istanbul outfit have won their last eight Champions League games on home turf and Aragonés credits the “massive support” from Fenerbahçe’s fans for creating what has been billed as ‘Fortress Sukru Saracoglu’.
Aragonés has injury problems with Semih Senturk ruled out with the recurrence of an ankle complaint. Deivid has returned to full training but Spain striker Daniel Güiza is likely to carry much of the hosts’ attacking threat.
With Josico also missing training on Friday because of thigh trouble, Aragones concedes that injuries are taking their toll.
“Dynamo are very good on the counterattack,” said Aragones.
“We need to adjust our tactics so we know where and when to do the pressing. I prefer not to focus on other teams though – it’s more important what your own side do.”
Dynamo coach Yuri Semin watched Fenerbahce’s 2-1 defeat to Sivasspor on Friday.
“I watched Fenerbahçe’s last match and have seen previous ones on tape. We have also been speaking with our former player Serhiy Rebrov who had a spell with Fenerbahçe, but it will be hard to surprise an experienced coach like Aragonés,” said Dynamo coach Yuri Semin.
“I can’t speak about the past but my players are fully focused on this match,” continued the former Russia coach. “The players are aware of their quality and are desperate to end this bad run.”
Semin will be without Artem Milevskiy (ankle) and Ayila Yussuf (calf), as well as Oleh Gusev (knee) and Carlos Correa (broken leg).
