Roy: Steaua A Tough Cookie

Roy Hodgson believes his
Liverpool team will find it
difficult to break down a well-
organised Steaua Bucharest side
when the two outfits meet in
Thursday's Europa League clash
at Anfield.
The Romanian side have an
impressive European pedigree,
including a European Cup victory
in 1986 and run to the final three
years later.
Liverpool have started the
campaign in a mediocre manner
and were particularly toothless in
attack on Sunday in the goalless
draw against Birmingham City.
Hodgson said in the build-up to
the match: "I checked up on it –
Steaua Bucharest have played
232 matches in Europe.
"They have won a Champions
League, been finalists and have
won 23 league titles – so please
don't try to suggest they have no
chance of getting a result
tonight.
"We've only had a little while to
assess them. I've been quite
impressed with their two central
midfield players. That is a strong
part of their team and the two
centre-forwards are good too.
"They are a well-organised team
and, from what we've seen of
them, we know we will have an
interesting and important game
on our hands, but that's what
you want.
"You don't play in the Europa
League to play against poor
opponents. If I do change the
team tonight then I want the
players to go out there and
perform against top-class
opposition.
"There's no point me watching
them play against poor
opposition because that might
fool me into thinking they are
better than they are.
"So, tonight we will play against a
top-class team and I'm sure it will
be a very good game. Hopefully
we will come out on top."