Legwinski: No interest in UEFA Cup 'till quarter-finals

Fulham’s European veteran Sylvain Legwinski has claimed the expansion of the Champions League has affected the UEFA Cup so badly that the competition is of neither importance nor interest until the quarter-finals.

The Cottagers face their first ever UEFA Cup game tonight, against Hajduk Split on Croatia’s Adriatic coast.

But as the Londoners prepare for the first round, first leg tie in the home town of last year’s Wimbledon tennis champion Goran Ivanisevic, Legwinski has effectively written off the first four rounds as meaningless.

The 28-year-old French midfielder, who has extensive European experience, will be a key figure in the clash at the 33,000-capacity Poljud Stadium.

He said: “I played in the UEFA Cup many times with Monaco and Bordeaux, reaching the semi-finals with Monaco in 1997.

“But the Champions League means it’s not like it used to be.

“The UEFA Cup now becomes important when you reach the quarter-final. It’s interesting then, so we have to reach that.”

Manager Jean Tigana last night marked the eve of Fulham’s first major European fixture by outlining his ambition to take Mohamed Al Fayed’s club into the Champions League inside two years.

Former France player and Monaco manager Tigana, asked if he had missed top-level European football, said: “Yes, because Europe is like a gift.

“When you have a good season, it’s a bonus for the club. Tonight’s game is important as it’s Fulham’s first in the UEFA Cup.

“Now I want to play in the European Cup this year or next. That’s my target.”

Fulham have started this season impressively – in stark contrast to their up-and-down campaign last year which culminated in a nervy relegation battle.

Tigana, on crutches with his right shin and foot in plaster after an operation, added: “The players have progressed in a year at the higher level.

“And our midfielders have scored many goals this season, which is the difference from last season.

Split boss Zoran Vulic has praised Fulham for their barnstorming start to the Premiership season.

The home team’s manager admits the English side are on a much better run than his team.

“Tigana has excellent technical players,” said Vulic.

“Fulham are very strong and in great form.”

Fulham will encounter some familiar faces tonight, with former Derby and West Ham star Igor Stimac expected to feature and Split’s head coach – ex-West Ham and Everton man Slaven Bilic – giving instructions from the dug-out.