Dundee United’s Europa League opponents had to endure a draining eight-hour journey to Tayside on Wednesday but won’t be using it as an excuse if they are knocked out, their manager insisted.
Slask Wroclaw coach Orest Lenczyk admitted the length of the trip, which involved a stop in Germany, wasn’t ideal the day before a match, but hopes his players will have enough time to recharge their batteries.
He said, “I have to say it was not easy. We had to take off early in the morning and had to stop in Dusseldorf, so in total we travelled for eight hours.
“Will it influence the result tomorrow? I don’t know.
“I believe we have arrived early enough for the players to rest. We will see what they’re like on the morning of the match.”
He added, “I don’t think that after the game I would say that it was the fault of the journey if we lost. I wouldn’t want to do that.
“It would only be an excuse. I hope the balls won’t be an excuse either.”
The balls remark was a reference to a comment opposite number Peter Houston had made after the first leg when he pointed out that the United players will be more comfortable with balls they use week in, week out.Stein’s influenceHouston did stress, however, that he was not making an excuse for their 1-0 defeat in Poland.
Lenczyk said, “I don’t think the balls are too big or too small.
“A UEFA observer said the weight of the balls was okay.”
Striker Christian Diaz has travelled to Scotland but a decision on his fitness will be made on Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, Lenczyk revealed that the great Jock Stein had been a mentor to him when he was a fledgling coach.
He said, “Jock Stein is a legend and it was a pleasure to spend some time with him.
“I had three days learning from him in 1970 and it was a great experience.”