AEK Athens coach Dusan Bajevic denied he feels any extra pressure going into tonight’s clash.
The Bosnian was physically assaulted by his own team’s fans during a recent pre-season “friendly” with local side Kallithea, which had to be abandoned.
Talking at Tannadice ahead ahead of AEK’s training session on the park, Bajevic rejected suggestions a positive outcome for United would mean he would be under the cosh given the volatility of a section of their support.
“I am under no pressure because of what happened, it is in the past and forgotten now,” he said. “All I am focused on is the game.
“It will be difficult and there is no favourite for this match. “I have seen Dundee United play, they are a strong team with good players.
“I also know the Scottish psychology is very strong so we have to deal with that and match their strengths.”
The Greek season is yet to start, so they are a week behind United in terms of preparation for this game, but Bajevic insists his players are ready.
“Strength and physical condition will be very important,” he added. “Although we have not had a competitive game so far I am happy with the players and we will cope.
“We know Dundee United are especially good at setpieces but that is not the only danger they have so we have worked on everything.”
AEK captain Pantelis Kafes led his team-mates to wins over Rangers and Blackburn during a summer tour of Australia and insists the experience of facing British clubs will prove invaluable this evening.
“We need to make sure that we cope with the British game because teams in the UK are fast and play with a high rhythm.
“We experienced playing against Rangers and against Blackburn in the summer. This will be good for us, especially as Rangers are the champions of Scotland.
“We will have this in our mind and it will be a guide for the game,” Kafes said.
“Our target is to leave with a good result so that we can qualify for the next stage. I wouldn’t say we were the favourites, it will be decided on the night who is the better team.”