Linfield boss David Healy: Blues can conjure up more Euro magic against Pogoń Szczecin
Manager David Healy knows Linfield will have to step it up against Pogón Szczecin
Linfield manager David Healy has backed his players to deliver another magical Windsor Park performance in Europe.
The Blues face Polish giants Pogoń Szczecin in tonight’s Europa Conference League Second Qualifying Round, First Leg tie and will need to dig out another heroic display in front of their supporters.
Managed by Swede Jens Gustafsson, Pogoń finished fourth in an 18-team League last season behind winners Raków Częstochowa, Legia Warsaw and Lech Poznań.
Healy’s men lost 1-0 to Vllaznia in humid conditions in Albania but squeezed through 3-2 on aggregate. This assignment is much more daunting, but Linfield can take inspiration from golden European memories at the international venue.
Linfield famously conquered FK Qarabağ of Azerbaijan and FK Sutjeska of Montenegro on their own patch in 2019, and recent home comforts include a 1-0 win over Bodø/Glimt and a thumping 4-0 triumph over Bosnian champions Borac Banja Luka.
Vllaznia were also put to the sword (3-1) in the last round.
Pogoń Szczecin won’t fear coming to Windsor, but Healy is banking on another big European display from his side.
“The Poles are better than the Albanians, it’s that simple,” said the Blues boss.
“They have really good, effective players who have played in top Leagues around Europe, and they have a few internationals.
“This team are good, there is no point in me telling the players lies, but they are not Barcelona, Real Madrid or Inter Milan. We will need a percentage improvement in our overall performance if we want to win the game.
“Are we capable? Absolutely, we have a strong home record and we have done it before.
“I have every belief the players will put
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