Brnovic slams pitch critics

Montenegro coach Branko Brnovic has warned England to expect a hostile atmosphere in their 2014 World Cup qualifier in Podgorica on Tuesday.

Some reports have suggested English players are concerned about the pitch, while Brnovic has claimed the visitors will be scared when they take to the Stadion Pod Goricom.

Brnovic hit back at critics of the surface, stating the ‘excuses’ were already there for Roy Hodgson’s men to lose.

“I must say that on Tuesday we are playing a very strong team and we are aware of that,” the Montenegrin said.

“We are aware of our capabilities and are boosted by playing in our own stadium.

“We will have the fans on our side which will help.

“I know that both (Stevan) Jovetic and (Mirko) Vucinic always suffer strong kicks but they never complain about it.

“I can say that such English legends and journalists are already trying to resort to excuses for what will happen tomorrow. Everything seems to bother you.”

“I have said many times that any team headed by me does not underestimate or overestimate any opponent that we play in our stadium.

“It is a great pleasure to read some of the statements from English players in the newspapers complaining about the pitch and what it will look like.”

Brnevic also claimed England resort to long-ball passes, meaning a chopped up surface shouldn’t bother them that much anyway – according to the 45-year-old.

“As far as I know the English have always favoured playing long passes,” he said.

“We have Jovetic and Vucinic who do not want a bad pitch.

“Our strikers are obviously more skilled than theirs.”