Portsmouth FC

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Adams calls for Milan calm

27 Nov 2008 - 09:38:57

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Portsmouth manager Tony Adams has urged his players to rise to the occasion and not to be star-struck when they take on AC Milan in the UEFA Cup.

Pompey host the Italian giants in a group stage game at Fratton Park on Thursday evening and Adams has called for calm ahead of the mouth-watering encounter.

The recently-installed boss has yet to win on home soil and is playing down the loss of key players Jermain Defoe, Lassana Diarra, Sol Campbell and Niko Kranjcar to injury.

"Don't get me wrong, this is probably the most prestigious match this club has ever played but we have prepared for it in the same way as for every match - so let's not big it up too much," he warned.

"It's a great match for the supporters, a reward for what we did last season and winning the FA Cup was fantastic, but now it's feet-on-the-floor time.

"What we need to be focused on is staying in the Premier League and giving ourselves the chance to play teams like Milan every year. That is the only way to do it.

"But although it is a bit sad I can't field what people would call my strongest team, we will still throw everything at them and believe that a win is achievable.

"Of course it is a great challenge for me as a coach, but it is the kind of challenge you hope to have year after year."