Gurban Berdyev is full of respect for Levante, commenting that they are more than just former Rubin Kazan man Obafemi Martins.
The Nigerian forward, who this fortnight has been pushing for a move to Seattle Sounders, signed for Levante in the summer from Rubin, after an unhappy spell in Russia.
For his former Coach Berdyev, whose Rubin side visit Levante tonight in the Europa League Last 16 first leg, attention should not be on the striker, but instead his team.
“On Thursday we are playing not against Martins. We measure ourselves against a team that is hard to beat, with good players,” declared Berdyev in his pre-match conference.
“Martins is one of them and here we encounter his team. He is one of the most dangerous players that Levante has.
“Levante are at a good level and can defend very well. They are very disciplined. The players work hard and have a good counter-attack.
“They also know how to handle the ball, they have technical players who can generate situations.”
Berdyev was asked why Martins’ time in Russia did not work out.
“In Rubin Kazan and with Wolfsburg it did not turn out well, but here he is understood. Martins is a Levante player, I will not concern myself talking about it.”
