Brazil legend Zico fears threat of Aston Villa "reserves"
Brazil legend Zico feels Aston Villa's 'reserves' will pose just as serious a threat as Martin O'Neill's first team.
CSKA Moscow boss Zico fully appreciates O'Neill's decision to leave behind virtually all of his big-name players for tomorrow night's return leg of their last-32 UEFA Cup tie at the Luzhniki Stadium.
By selecting a shadow squad, O'Neill has made it clear his priority is finishing in the top four of the Barclays Premier League, and so qualifying for next season's Champions League.
With games at home to Stoke on Sunday and at Manchester City three days later, O'Neill feels it is vital his stars are taken out of the front line and rested.
That would appear to give CSKA the clear upper hand, but Zico will not allow his players to be drawn into a false sense of security.
"It's a very difficult time for them," Zico told PA Sport.
"They have a lot of games, one after another, in a very short time, and this is the price you pay to take part in this tournament.
"Sometimes you have to choose, to make the right choice, and the priority for Aston Villa is the chance to play in the Champions League.
"It is happening this season for them, so this is the season that must be respected.
"He (O'Neill) is with his players every day, so he'll know whether they are tired, fatigued, and this is very important.
"But for us, the most important thing is that we are playing Aston Villa, not the names, and they must be respected because they are a great team.
