Europa League: Paksi are not heading to Edinburgh just to be tourists, warns boss Karoly Kis

Aug 4 2011 By Anthony Haggerty

PAKSI boss Karoly Kis last night insisted the Hungarians had not come to Scotland for sightseeing as they are fully focused on killing Hearts' European hopes.

It has been a remarkable journey for Paksi and Kis who 18 months ago languished in last place in the Hungarian First Division.

Now they are 90 minutes away from the Europa League play-off round and after being named the Hungarian manager of the year, Kis, right, said: "We heard there will be 16,000 fans inside the ground and we're looking forward to playing in a real British stadium.

"Only 18 months ago we were in the last position in the division one. We have dreamed about playing the Europa League in one big match in a big stadium against a big team and we love British football.

"some players in our team and I like scottish football but we're not tourists. We have come to play football and to try to get into the next round of the Europa League".

Kis revealed he was saddened by the dramatic events at Tynecastle this week. He said: "I was surprised when I heard Jim Jefferies had left. I am unhappy because we spoke before and after the match and I have a lot of respect for him.

"We will see during the game if this change makes any difference. If a team has a new coach it gives motivation to all the players.

"The guys who were in the team must give their best but it's also a chance for the guys who were out of the picture to come in.

"It can be a problem because the new trainer does not have a lot of information on the team in such a short time before the match. But we are working on our own plans."

Taken from the Daily Record