Aston Villa: It's One game at a time for Villa says Reo-Coker
Jul 31 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail
NIGEL Reo-Coker will lead Villa out against Porto insisting that none of his team-mates are giving a thought to the potential of a mouthwatering final against Real Madrid or Juventus.
Villa’s Peace Cup participation looked to be over as soon as it had begun when they fell behind to Atlante after being beaten by Malaga.
But three quick-fire goals have set up an intriguing semi-final against the Portuguese maestros in Malaga tonight with bigger fish lying in wait in Seville on Sunday.
Reo-Coker took over the captain’s arm-band from the injured Stiliyan Petrov on Wednesday and looks a certainty to retain the honour for the time being.
He is relishing the encounter.
“There are big names left but in all truth we haven’t looked at that. We have been working hard and relied on the fact that if we work hard we can achieve great things. It’s a fantastic challenge for us.
“It’s been a tough tournament. I know about the history of Porto – one of the most successful clubs in Portugal and a former UEFA Cup and European Champion.
“But we haven’t really been concentrating on our opposition – it’s been about us. We have worked on our fitness and preparing for the new season. This is a tournament we are taking seriously. Hopefully we can go all the way and win it.”
The searing heat and a tough training schedule have zapped weary legs, says the former West Ham skipper.
“A few of our players have already-played four or five 90 minute games already this pre-season so it will be a very difficult game under the heat again,’’ he said.
