LORENZO SERRA FERRER upset the odds to guide a team into the Champions League group stages last season - now he fears the tables being turned this time around.

The Spaniard masterminded Real Betis' victory over Monaco in the third round qualifier last year, just 12 months after the French cracks had been beaten finalists.

Monaco were favourites but this time the shoe is on the other foot with Ferrer's AEK Athens tipped to progress against Hearts.

Ahead of the first leg at Murrayfield on Wednesday, Ferrer (below) said: "I have experience of this round from last season.

"With Real Betis we played against Monaco and the French side were big favourites but we went through.

"Now it is the opposite but it's a reminder that you still have to work when you're favourites and can't just turn up.

"Our record makes us favourites but to me this tie is 50-50. This is not a 'holiday' draw.

"If we have one advantage it's that the second leg is at home and with the help of our supporters we have more chance of getting through.

"In the first leg the key is to score and our pre-season form suggests we can do that - my players are confident.

"Hearts are not Celtic or Rangers but we watched their matches against Siroki Brijeg and they are quick.

"Some sections of the media think this will be easy but we know differently."

Ferrer admits moving to Greece is a new experience for him, having coached all his life in his homeland. He continued:

"The move to AEK was attractive | and not only because of money.

"Hearts will be my first test. The supporters expect to be in the Champions League and I don't intend to let them down.

"We don't have superstars but we have a team of players who work very hard."

Taken from the Sunday Mail