Aston Villa: It's One game at a time for Villa says Reo-Coker
Jul 31 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail
“The boys are obviously tired. It’s a challenge and that’s what it’s about. It’s about going there, working hard and enjoying the game.
“It’s fantastic to be on this stage, playing against the likes of Porto. That’s why you want to be a footballer.
“They are a top Champions League team – always seeming to qualify – and it’s a challenge we’re really looking forward to.”
Martin O’Neill has huge respect for Porto and believes tonight’s Peace Cup opponents will be a threat in this season’s Champions League.
O’Neill has history to settle. His Celtic side were beaten 3-2 by Jose Mourinho’s Porto in the UEFA Cup final six years ago and were beaten 3-0 in the Champions League in Portugal in October 2001 having beaten them 1-0 at Celtic Park weeks earlier.
“The performance on Wednesday proved we were not willing to exit the Peace Cup with a whimper,” said the Villa boss.
“Porto will provide us with an even stronger test. I remember vividly the last time I managed a team against them. It was in Seville. I have also managed Celtic against them in Champions League.
“Porto are a strong team, well run and they manage to sell a player almost every year for a large sum of money and then restructure the team without losing any of their power.’’
