Soccer: Spaniards ready for Elland Road war

Valencia coach Hector Cuper is preparing his side for a ‘dirty war’ against Leeds in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final at Elland Road.

Cuper’s training sessions ahead of tomorrow’s clash have seen the Argentinian order his defenders to use rough-house tactics against the strikers to simulate the conditions expected from the Leeds players.

Spanish sports daily Marca has photographs of Valencia’s players practising kicks, the use of elbows and shirt pulling, lending credence to the claims of defender Miroslav Djukic that last season’s beaten finalists are expecting ‘‘a war’’.

Cuper claimed such training tactics were merely ‘‘an exercise’’ but striker John Carew has revealed that following the quarter-final against Arsenal no stone is being left unturned.

‘‘We have to practise this type of situation when we play in England because the defenders are incredibly hard,’’ said the 6ft 7in Norway international.

‘‘In the game against Arsenal there was a battle on the pitch and the contact from our opponents was constant.

‘‘However in spite of everything we must be intelligent and not get drawn into a battle.’’

In an astonishing attack on Leeds by Marca, the publication claimed Leeds centre-backs Rio Ferdinand and Dominic Matteo are two of the dirtiest players in the Premiership and will resort to ‘‘all kind of illegal acts which are typical of British defenders’’.

Argentina international defender Roberto Fabian Ayala said: ‘‘Leeds have demonstrated that they are indicative of the English style of play.

‘‘They have a great desire to win but also to play very hard, they are fighters. They are a strong team which fights for every ball.

‘‘If we are to get through then we will have to play the same way as them. They will put pressure on us so we will have to put pressure on them.’’

Valencia captain Gaizka Mendieta at least gave David O’Leary’s side the respect they deserve for having defied all the odds for reaching this stage.

With Valencia having already played Manchester United and Arsenal en route to the last four, and with Leeds the only British team left in the tournament, the 27-year-old Spain international playmaker hailed United’s achievement.

‘‘With Leeds in the semi-finals, then they have to be better than both Manchester United and Arsenal,’’ said Mendieta.

‘‘Up until now they have had a good run and have eliminated some of the greatest and most historic teams in Europe, so they deserve to be here.’’

Unfortunately there is also an air of arrogance in the Valencia camp as a number of questions in today’s news conference focused on the final in Milan on May 23, including one about ticket allocation.

Cuper, who is at the centre of speculation surrounding his future as he is expected to move to Italy in the summer, is a confident man and is more than willing to accept the role of favourite over the two legs.

‘‘We are going into the game with the mentality we will win,’’ said Cuper, who has midfielder Miguel Angel Angulo suspended for the first leg.

‘‘However, we cannot underestimate what Leeds can do. I have to take that into account when planning my strategy of the game.

‘‘But I believe in my players and my team and I am happy to be favourites, but whatever predictions other people make doesn’t worry me.

‘‘After reaching last season’s Champions League final then anything less than that will be a failure, but then I don’t believe we won’t get through.’’

Cuper, though, is aware of United’s famous team spirit which has so far been one of the keys to success in a competition which has seen them send Barcelona, Lazio, Anderlecht and Deportivo La Coruna crashing.

‘‘Mark Viduka and Alan Smith are dangerous players and I have to make mention of Olivier Dacourt and Rio Ferdinand as well,’’ said Cuper.

‘‘Their spirit and the way they play as a force is commendable, while their mental strength means they can often overcome players who are more technically gifted.’’