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. 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.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.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."It is a great experience for me, I can't deny that."The players know me and I'm looking forward to it."Moniz added: "The coach was sacked, it was a tragedy, but you can only be who you are."It was dramatic, but the next day you have to prepare yourself for a situation that will be unique for us."My only task is to give each player the confidence and be their strength."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.The Dutchman revealed he did his best to convince the ex-England midfielder there was still plenty ahead of him."I always trained the substitutes - Edgar Davids was there at that time, Danny Murphy and Hossan Gahly," Moniz said."Danny was very disappointed that he didn't play, so we had a lot of contact."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'."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."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."I spoke about it when we drove here, I lived in another part of London, but it is familiar," said the Dutchman."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."

Source: Team_Talk