Zurich boss Franco Foda has warned Hearts an electric Tynecastle will charge his players up to finish the job rather than see them short circuit in tomorrow’s Europa League play-off.
The Swiss champions head to Edinburgh looking to power into the group stage on the back of a 2-1 first leg lead. A ferocious atmosphere is expected as Hearts prepare for their biggest Euro game in a decade and Zurich general manager - former Jambos ace Jose Goncalves - has already filled Foda’s stars in on what to expect when they run out at a rammed Tynecastle under the lights.
Hearts midfielder Peter Haring reckons that intense atmosphere could spook the visitors and pull the plug on their hopes of reaching the money-spinning stage of the competition. But Foda has rubbished that theory and said: “Jose has told us about the atmosphere at Tynecastle so we’ll have to prepare for that.
“But this is exactly what we love about football and what everybody likes. When the stadium is full there is enthusiasm and the atmosphere is good so we’re looking forward to playing there.”
Zurich fought back from losing an early goal in the first leg to ensure they bring an advantage to Scotland. Adria Guerrero and Blerim Dzemaili struck twice in the space of two minutes to turn the tables on Hearts and set-up a huge 90 minutes in Gorgie tomorrow evening.
But having taken the game to the Jambos last week Foda will set his side out to play on the counter where he hopes the pace in his side can prove the difference. He said: “We have a lot of fast players and hopefully we can create some chances through counter attacks. The result was okay and now we have to show up in Scotland and try and make it to the Europa League group stages.”
Meanwhile Jambos goalscorer Lawrence Shankland is confident Robbie Neilson ’s men can use home advantage to turn the game in their favour. He said: “It was a tough night with the conditions. But we are confident we can turn it round at Tynecastle with a full house. It’s a game we are all looking forward to.
“The atmosphere has been really good so far, especially against Dundee United game where we got a good result. I’m expecting it will be that ten-fold on Thursday and the support will be looking forward to it as much as we are.”
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