Paide head coach Tarmo Kink has urged his side to play with courage against Zira FK, despite admitting the Azerbaijani club will pose a sterner test than Hegelmann, whom Paide beat in the previous round of the UEFA Conference League qualification.
Paide host the first leg of their UEFA Conference League second qualifying round tie on Thursday, with Kink insisting his team cannot afford to approach the match cautiously.
The Estonian club go into the European fixture four days after a shock 5-2 home defeat by Harju Laagri in Premium liiga. Kink said the squad moved quickly to put that result behind them.
“There was no point dwelling on it,” Kink told Soccernet TV. “It certainly wasn’t good, there are no excuses and there don’t need to be. We have to take responsibility ourselves.”
Kink suggested rotation from the weekend could prove a small benefit ahead of the European game, adding: “In the last training session I saw that the ones who didn’t play looked fresher and sharper. We’ve got plenty of experience in the team and the lads know how to get through situations like this.”
Goalkeeper Ebrima Jarju was rested against Harju Laagri, with third-choice Mattias Sapp starting. Deputy goalie Marko Meerits is set to miss “a little while” with a finger injury, while William Linsi and Gerdo Juhkam remain out with longer-term problems. Kink said the rest of his squad are available.
Kink described Zira as an organised and disciplined side, dangerous in transitions and comfortable in possession, with a number of foreign players in their squad. Zira came through the first qualifying round with two 3-0 wins over Georgia’s Kutaisi Torpedo.
He also pointed to the stability provided by Zira coach Rashad Sadigov, who has been in charge for six years. “It’s definitely a good team,” Kink said. “But not an unbeatable one. If we’re a team and we play a very good game, then we mustn’t and don’t need to fear anyone.”
Asked whether playing the first leg at home would change his approach, Kink said it would not. “In the end it makes no difference to me whether we’re away or at home – we still have to go out and play boldly,” he said. “You can’t be afraid. What do you do away from home then – don’t play, just sit and wait? What are we waiting for, Christmas or what?”
Kink added that Paide’s belief has been boosted by recent European results elsewhere in Estonia, praising FCI Levadia after their 2-1 win at IFK Göteborg yesterday. “It definitely gives confidence to others too – it’s possible to play,” he said.
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Source: https://soccernet.ee/artikkel/valusa-kodukaotuse-selja-taha-jatnud-kink-eurolahingust-julgelt-tuleb-minna-mangima-mida-me-ootame-joule-voi
