No air rage for Adams as Pompey face stiff test

AFTER his team’s plans were thrown into disarray by the financial collapse of their air carrier yesterday morning, Portsmouth manager Tony Adams insists his team can stay afloat in the UEFA Cup tonight.

Flightline, the company due to fly the Pompey squad out to Germany ahead of their clash with Wolfsburg, went into administration yesterday. However, an 11th hour replacement was found to ensure the club could fulfil their daunting engagement.

“There are plenty of aircraft out there, it was smooth, there have been no complications,” Adams said. “It might seem a big deal but the players and myself have not been affected.”

Portsmouth head into tonight’s game with just one point from their two matches so far in Group E, and realistically must win to have any hope of progressing to the last 32.

Last week, Adams’ side let slip a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with AC Milan at Fratton Park, and missed a chance to atone for their 3-0 loss at Braga in their first pool match in October. Wins against Wolfsburg and Heerenveen, on December 17, would see them through, but picking up three points tonight is a massive task as Felix Magath’s Wolfsburg are unbeaten at home this season.

“They’re a very good team,” Adams admitted. “They’re quite phenomenal at this stadium. It’s going to be tough but the facts are that if we win our last games, then we’re through.”

Late goals have denied them victories in two of their last three games — against Milan and Hull — while a 3-2 win over Blackburn on Sunday was only secured after they had earlier blown a two-goal advantage.

Wolfsburg scored 21 goals in seven home games this term, and thrashed Heerenveen 5-1 at the Volkswagen Arena in their first pool match.

Pompey will be boosted by the likely return of Sol Campbell to the centre of their defence after a toe injury.

“After a couple of games when we’ve been done late, his experience could have helped,” Adams said.

“Someone that’s been there, seen it, done it has a calming influence.”