Dundalk can raise game to upset Molde – Giovagnoli

FILIPPO GIOVAGNOLI says his Dundalk players can raise their game when it matters and cause problems for Molde in their Europa League group-stage opener at Tallaght Stadium this evening.

The Lilywhites made the breakthrough to the lucrative phase of the competition after a year where they have struggled domestically by their standards – and their Italian boss conceded that nerves were also a problem in their Aviva Stadium victory over Faroese underdogs KI in the final play-off round.

However, he is confident the winning experience in his group of players will come to the fore in their clash with a Norwegian side that is targeting full points from their meetings with the Irish champions.

Dundalk will collect €570,000 if they win in Tallaght, with €190,000 up for grabs if they draw.

Successful

“This is a really successful team,” said Giovagnoli, speaking about the players he inherited. “They have a winning mentality. When the challenge is raised, you can see they are more focused.

“This is a quality that was already in the squad. We are the facilitators for that. I can see in practice they are ready.”

Molde narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification but have no hope of regaining their domestic crown this year.

Dundalk assistant coach Shane Keegan feels there will be goals in the game because Molde are strong going forward but do have defensive weaknesses that can be exploited.

Skipper Chris Shields, a member of Stephen Kenny’s 2016 team, is telling new members of the dressing-room to seize the moment.

“My only thing I could say to the lads is to try and enjoy it and try not let your nerves get the better of you, because you never know if you’ll be back in a situation like this,” he said. “You can’t underperform at this stage.”