LEGIA BOSS IS SAVING A PHONE CALL TO BORUC UNTIL THE GROUP STAGE
LEGIA WARSAW coach Aleksandar Vukovic claims he is keeping the advice of Artur Boruc on hold until his club have progressed past Rangers into the Europa League group stage.
Former Celtic goalkeeper Boruc remains a huge hero among Legia fans for his performances prior to switching to Parkhead in 2005.
Speaking at yesterday’s pre-match media conference, Vukovic was asked by a local journalist if he had considered calling on Boruc to seek any insight into how Rangers might approach the play-off.
With the Bournemouth goalkeeper now nine years away from Scottish football, Vukovic doesn’t believe he would be of much assistance.
But he admitted he is already thinking about giving Boruc a ring if Legia knock out Steven Gerrard’s side and meet more UK opposition in the groups.
‘I think we will call Artur Boruc in the group stage of the Europa League if we face a team from the Premier League,’ said Vukovic. ‘He has been in England recently. He hasn’t been in Scotland for a long time, so he wouldn’t be much help.’
Vukovic admitted admiration for Gerrard and Rangers after their 7-3 aggregate success over FC Midtjylland in the previous round.
‘We have seen their last two league games. Not only those but also the games against Midtjylland,’ said the 39-year-old former Legia midfielder.
‘They are a strong team who were able to win against this good team from Denmark. It is a demanding team with good players who have experience of Premier League.
‘It’s our goal and our dream to reach the group stage, so I can’t say we have nothing to lose. We will be playing against a very strong team, a legendary club.
‘It will be an emotional game, so I think it’s a good opportunity to test ourselves. I hope we and the crowd will do our best and play our best.’
Legia have yet to concede in Europe this season, but Vukovic approaches the tie against a backdrop of anxiety on the home front. A record of two wins, a draw and a defeat leaves Legia eighth in the early Ekstralasa standings.
Grumbles about the quality of football have been heard, while Vukovic’s sidelining of fan favourite Carlitos provides a further issue.
His replacement up front, Sandro Kulenovic, has gone six games without a goal. The 19-year-old was booed by some Legia fans when substituted in a 1-0 weekend win over Zaglebie.
‘It is not the first time it has happened to Kulenovic, but his reaction was positive,’ said Vukovic. ‘What is important is that it wasn’t from the ultra stand at Legia. It was from other fans.
‘Of course, there are different views and opinions but Kulenovic leaves his heart on the pitch and should not be treated this way. I don’t think he will play differently because of what happened to him during those games.’