UC: Rabotnicki Kometal v Bolton: Preview

19:00 UK Rabotnicki Kometal v Bolton

Mikel Alonso insists Bolton are united in trying to kickstart their season.

Sammy Lee's side go into their opening UEFA Cup match against Rabotnicki in Macedonia on the back of five defeats in six games.

A home victory against Reading has been the only bright spot in a dismal start. For former Liverpool coach Lee it has been a difficult time after he succeeded the highly-successful Sam Allardyce.

But Alonso, on a season-long loan deal from Real Sociedad, stressed: ``We are all in the same ship and the manager is doing his best.

``He has confidence in us and while it is clear we have not had a very good start, the UEFA Cup is a different experience.

``We are going to start from zero and it is very important to get a good result in this competition.''

Bolton are back in the UEFA Cup for the second time in three seasons after a seventh-placed finish in the table.

But Lee has found himself the subject of criticism as has Tottenham's Martin Jol in the wake of some disappointing early-season results.

While Alonso is determined to help the manager get things right, the Spanish midfielder is not surprised at the clamour for people's heads.

He said: ``Maybe this is not a common theme in England but it is quite common in Spain.

``In Spain if things do not go well after three games they want to change the trainer.

``There is a lot of money in football today and every day there is more pressure (to get results).

``It is normal. If results are not good then everyone looks at certain people.''

Unlike his brother, Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, Mikel has no experience of European competition despite seven seasons with Sociedad.

He said: ``It is not a distraction from the league, it is very exciting for me. Every player wants to play at this level.

``I appreciate it here. This is a big club with good people, who work hard every day. I just want better results.

``This is the start of a very nice competition. I do not know much about our opponents but that does not mean they are not a good team. I am sure they can make trouble for us.''

Defender Andy O'Brien is expected to be fit to face Skopje-based Rabotnicki, who lie second in their league and are one of the most respected clubs in Macedonia.

It was feared O'Brien may have damaged a hamstring at the weekend in the defeat by Birmingham but the problem turned out to be severe cramp.

Midfielder Christian Wilhelmsson could come into contention after a thigh strain but Jlloyd Samuel is ruled out because of a hamstring injury.

Source: Soccernet.com