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'The dream is qualification to the quarter-finals,' - APOEL boss Ivan Jovanovic targeting Olympique Lyonnais upset
The Cypriot side are the first team from their nation to reach the last 16 of the Champions League, but the Serbian coach feels they can go even further yet
13 Feb 2012 12:49:00
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EXCLUSIVE
By Sergi Stanco
APOEL coach Ivan Jovanovic is targeting an upset when his team face Olympique Lyonnais in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Cypriot minnows became the first team from their country to reach the latter stages of the European competition, defying the odds to qualify from a group that contained the likes of Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk for company.
The Serb trainer now has set his sights on the French team, but has warned his side that any mistake will prove costly against Remi Garde's men.
"We cannot afford to make mistakes in midfield, because Lyon are really dangerous in open play, and we must play our football, taking advantage of any error our opponents commit," he told Goal.com.
"The dream is to qualify to the Champions League quarter-finals."
Jovanovic recognises that qualification would be an enormous achievement for his side, and a milestone for football in Cyprus.
"Qualification would be an extension of an outstanding season and a demonstration that there are good teams in Cyprus, as well as an opportunity for the future of my team," he concluded.
APOEL and Olympique Lyonnais kick off at Stade de Gerland at 20.45CET on Tuesday.
By Sergi Stanco
APOEL coach Ivan Jovanovic is targeting an upset when his team face Olympique Lyonnais in the Champions League on Tuesday.
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The Cypriot minnows became the first team from their country to reach the latter stages of the European competition, defying the odds to qualify from a group that contained the likes of Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk for company.
The Serb trainer now has set his sights on the French team, but has warned his side that any mistake will prove costly against Remi Garde's men.
"We cannot afford to make mistakes in midfield, because Lyon are really dangerous in open play, and we must play our football, taking advantage of any error our opponents commit," he told Goal.com.
"The dream is to qualify to the Champions League quarter-finals."
Jovanovic recognises that qualification would be an enormous achievement for his side, and a milestone for football in Cyprus.
"Qualification would be an extension of an outstanding season and a demonstration that there are good teams in Cyprus, as well as an opportunity for the future of my team," he concluded.
APOEL and Olympique Lyonnais kick off at Stade de Gerland at 20.45CET on Tuesday.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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