JAY JAY Okocha has given a chilling warning to his team mates of the reception they can expect, when they kick off their UEFA Cup group campaign against Beskitas in Istanbul.
The Reebok skipper, who had two successful seasons in the Turkish capital with rival club Fenerbahce, says Wanderers will face a test of their nerve as well as their European credentials.
"Playing in Turkey will be tough," he said, reacting to the draw.
"I have first hand experience of playing there with Fenerbahce and I know the Turkish supporters are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their football.
"We will have to be prepared for a partisan atmosphere in Istanbul and, hopefully, learn from where other English teams have failed in Turkey in the past."
Wanderers take on Besiktas, the 11 times Turkish champions, on Thursday, October 20, in the 35,000 capacity Inonu Stadium on the banks of the Bosphorus, where Europe meets Asia.
It is regarded as one of the most picturesque football grounds in the world but the locals have a reputation for making it one of the most intimidating venues.
Wanderers could hardly have asked for a tougher start to the group phase and the task does not get any easier.
After Besiktas, they have an awkward home game against the respected Russian outfit, Zenit St Petersburg, on Thursday, November 3, then a tricky away trip to the little-known Portuguese side, Vitoria Guimaraes, on Thursday, November 24, before rounding off with a Reebok showpiece against the strongly-fancied Spanish club, Sevilla, on Wednesday, December 14.
The top three teams in each group qualifies for the next knockout stage, known as the Round of 32, in February when the 24 qualifiers will be joined by eight clubs eliminated from the Champions League.
Okocha, one of eight members of the Wanderers squad with previous European experience, added: "We are in a very difficult group and it will be tough to qualify, but we have the right quality and experience in the squad to upset all the teams we come up against."
Sevilla coach Juande Ramos rates Wanderers as the biggest threat to his qualification hopes.
"They are the important team in the group, with players such as Nakata, Diouf and Ivan Campo," the Spaniard said.
"They are very important rivals."
Sevilla have had a wretched start to the new league season, winning only one of their first six games.
Ramos insists they have nothing to fear in the group, although he hopes they will have qualified before they travel to the Reebok for their final game in December.
He added: "Every game in such a short group is decisive and we will have to qualify as quickly as possible, so as we don't get to the last game needing a win," he added.
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