Former Liverpool player Albert Rieira was branded ‘arrogant’ by Stephen Bradley last year and the pair renew rivalries for a game Shamrock Rovers require something from.
Whereas Rovers began their league phase campaign three weeks ago by losing 4-2 away to Sparta Praha, a hat-trick from new Croatian recruit Franko Kovačević fired Slovenian Cup holders NK Celje to a comeback 3-1 win over AEK Athens.
Rovers travel to face the same opponents in Greece four days before they attempt to complete a domestic double in the FAI Cup final against Cork City on November 9.
They’ll confirm their league crown on Sunday by avoiding defeat at Derry City, but the priority is to get off the mark in their first home game of this league stage.
Bradley doesn’t place any store in last year’s 3-1 victory at the same venue over the same opposition, highlighting their results as evidence of progress.
He’s also parked the spat with his opposition counterpart Rieira, after making a mockery of the Spaniard’s presumptive pre-match tone when last season’s duel resulted in Rovers surpassing the league phase threshold.
“Celje’s squad is unrecognisable to the one we played so it’s a different challenge,” noted the Hoops boss, aware they possess newcomers such as Kosovan midfielder Milot Avdyli.
“They were very good against AEK Athens and could have won by more than 3-1.
“They’ve improved from last year by bringing in a certain level of player. Their identity is very clear and they’re very good at it.
“You can see they’ve similar characteristics and the same manager. However, they have better players and are a better team.”
From the Rovers’ perspective, being able to call upon inspirational captain Pico Lopes is a plus.
He’s available after a life-changing week in which he helped Cape Verde qualify for a first World Cup and became a father when his wife Leah gave birth to son Diego.
Cork-born defender Josh Honohan also returns.
“Domestically, it can become monotonous by playing the same team four times, sometimes five with the FAI Cup,” explained Bradley “Europe brings a fresh injury which is always nice.
“We have European experience so whatever challenge is thrown up we’ll be ready for. You understand how to play certain types of games from that experience.”
Rovers are stumbling over the line to regain the title they relinquished to Shelbourne last year, adding 50% additional defeats by losing back-to-back games against the holders and St Patrick’s Athletic.
“We know the group has been disjointed in recent weeks, but there are no excuses,” reasoned the manager.
“Those are the joys of a football season. But if you’re not going to win the game, don’t lose the game and we’ve been brilliant at that.
“That hasn’t been the case for the two weeks so we need to get back to that.”
