View from the Opposition: Larnaca's new manager on debuting at Selhurst

First-team

5 hours ago

Crystal Palace host AEK Larnaca in a UEFA Conference League Round of 16 first leg this evening at Selhurst Park (20:00); here's the lowdown on our opponents, for whom there will be a new face in the dugout tonight...

Tickets available for Thursday night's first leg in SE25.
Hear the Manager's pre-match thoughts here.
How to watch & follow the first leg at Selhurst Park.

In their new manager's words...

With Larnaca eight points behind Omonoia in the Cypriot title race, the visitors have opted to make a recent change in the dugout, with head coach Imanol Idiakez, who was behind the win at Selhurst earlier this season, and technical director Xavi Roca both departing last week.

In his place, appointed just three days ago, comes another Spanish coach in Javi Rozada, formerly of Real Oviedo, Racing Santander and, most recently, Cypriot team Krasava ENY Ypsonas FC, whom he guided into the top-flight last season.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference yesterday, Rozada said: "It's clear that there wasn't much time to analyse, we just had one training session.

"From our side, we will do everything for a good game. We don't have much time and we can't change many things, I trust the team and the work of the players. We will fight for qualification.

"Of course I saw that it was an excellent game from our side when we came here [in October] and the team adapted very well. Crystal Palace created many dangerous moments but the defence worked.

"We want the same concentration as in the first match. We respect that they are a Premier League team, but we will fight."

Quote Icons

It's clear from our side that we are debuting in a very difficult game
—Javier Rozada

Rozada continued: "We know the level of the opponent very well. Tomorrow we expect to face a team that plays in the Premier League. We have to play the perfect game and do what we know. European games are different.

"It's clear from our side that we are debuting in a very difficult game and I hope we do well. Imanol and Inigo did an excellent job. I want us to play well and get the best possible result.

"The goal for every coach is to win. I know very well the level of the opponent but I trust my players and the work they have been doing all these months. AEK did an excellent job in Europe, I am optimistic.

"I am not thinking about the contract at the moment. My concentration is on the game because the opponent is of a high level. I am not worried about the contract, I know and understand the reality of football. Even after Crystal Palace, I will think about our next game, and then the next one that comes.

"I do not want to give percentages or probabilities. We know who the favourite is . We have the rematch at home. We are facing the favourite of our own pair. We will play our own game."

From the captain, Angel Garcia...

"We know our obligation in these games, we are excited. We will try for a good result and to secure the qualification in Larnaca.

"We have enough motivation. In the first game I did not compete due to injury. This time I will give 100% of my strength. Nothing has changed, we follow our daily routine normally.

"We have new things to learn, we have to adapt. It is always difficult when you change coaches. We try to incorporate the coach's ideas as quickly as we can.

"We are happy to have him with us."

Their UEFA Conference League journey so far

The summer saw the reigning Cypriot Cup holders navigate a demanding UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign – eliminating Partizan Belgrade, NK Celje, and Legia Warsaw in impressive fashion – but the dream faltered at the final hurdle.

A 6-1 aggregate defeat to Norwegian outfit SK Brann saw the Yellow-Greens drop into the UEFA Conference League, returning to a competition they last featured in during the 2022/23 season – reaching the Round of 16 before falling to eventual winners West Ham United.

But they have risen to the challenge with an excellent European campaign so far that saw them go unbeaten in the league phase.

While undoubtedly the highlight for the Cypriots was that win in South London, they also demolished another qualifier for the knockouts, AZ Alkmaar, 4-0.

A top eight place was secure on the final day with a 1-0 win over Shkëndija, giving the Yellow-Greens 12 points from six games and direct passage to the last 16.

Larnaca also had the meanest defence in the league phase, conceding just one goal – a 94th-minute injury-time equaliser against Swedish side BK Hacken.

Match Details

Crystal Palace v AEK Larnaca

Thursday, 12th March
20:00 GMT
Selhurst Park
UEFA Conference League Round of 16, first leg
Tickets available to purchase here.

Related News

More News