Source: Team_Talk
Moniz undaunted by Cottagers clash
Ricardo Moniz maintains he has nothing to fear as he prepares Hamburg to face Fulham in their Europa League semi-final second leg.[LNB] The 45-year-old Dutchman - who had a spell in England with Tottenham as part of Martin Jol's backroom staff - has been placed in charge of the Germans until the end of the season following the sacking of Bruno Labbadia.[LNB]Having spent most of his career working as a specialist skills coach, tonight will represent a first match in sole managerial control for the former Holland international.[LNB]However, Moniz declared: "There is no fear. I am only happy and just look where I can help - I have to be objective, I have to be neutral.[LNB]"It is a great experience for me, I can't deny that.[LNB]"The players know me and I'm looking forward to it."[LNB]Moniz added: "The coach was sacked, it was a tragedy, but you can only be who you are.[LNB]"It was dramatic, but the next day you have to prepare yourself for a situation that will be unique for us.[LNB]"My only task is to give each player the confidence and be their strength."[LNB]Moniz worked with current Fulham captain Danny Murphy when the midfielder was at Spurs, and struggling to hold down a regular place in the first team.[LNB]The Dutchman revealed he did his best to convince the ex-England midfielder there was still plenty ahead of him.[LNB]"I always trained the substitutes - Edgar Davids was there at that time, Danny Murphy and Hossan Gahly," Moniz said.[LNB]"Danny was very disappointed that he didn't play, so we had a lot of contact.[LNB]"He was 31 then, he thought that was the end of his career, but I said: 'no, no - you keep working and you will get your reward'.[LNB]"Danny was a little bit cynical about it - but I am obviously very happy for him because, as a coach, you only work for players."[LNB]Moniz is hoping for a welcome return to Craven Cottage, having been in the dugout when Spurs recorded a 4-0 FA Cup win during February 2007.[LNB]"I spoke about it when we drove here, I lived in another part of London, but it is familiar," said the Dutchman.[LNB]"We played here a few times and the last game we played here was a positive result for Spurs, so it's a nice feeling for me."