Source: Team_Talk
Robertson trying to keep his head
Dundee United midfielder Scott Robertson admits he has been struck by the crazy nature of his first venture into European competition.[LNB] But he is adamant that the chaos surrounding his team's Europa League tie with AEK Athens will not affect their performance.[LNB]United, who trail 1-0 in the Europa League play-off, arrived in Athens yesterday afternoon still not knowing the venue for their match.[LNB]The pitch at AEK's Olympic Stadium home was deemed unplayable and their replacement venue was vandalised, apparently by Panionios fans unhappy at their rivals being allowed to play there.[LNB]The home of Olympiakos was finally confirmed as the venue about 24 hours before kick-off, although no Greek fans will be allowed in amid safety fears with just 500 United fans set to be in attendance.[LNB]Robertson said: "I won't lie, it hasn't been easy because of all the uncertainty.[LNB]"It has been the craziest thing I've experienced in a build-up to a game.[LNB]"I know the fans in Scotland are passionate but this is a whole new level.[LNB]"It's the mentality over there, it seems to be the way things are."[LNB]UEFA recently suspended Andorran side Santa Coloma for two years and imposed a 3-0 defeat on them in a Champions League qualifier because of the state of their playing surface but allowed AEK several lifelines.[LNB]But Robertson said: "It's not for me to comment on whether it's fair or not.[LNB]"It's part of playing in Europe so if this is what happens then so be it.[LNB]"We desperately wanted to be in Europe and I'd much rather have this than be playing in the first rounds of the CIS Cup the other night.[LNB]"We worked hard to get to Europe so we're determined to make the most of it, no matter what it throws up."[LNB]The Scotland cap added: "I loved it last Thursday, even though we didn't play well. It was a harsh lesson for us because they were excellent but hopefully we can turn that round.[LNB]"I was up against Nikos Liberopoulos. He was different class, he's played over 60 times for his country and won the European Championships.[LNB]"I won't play against players like that every week - I'd love to - but I think you can only learn from these experiences.[LNB]"AEK are a top-class side but we believe in ourselves, it's not over yet."
