Patience is the plea from Caley Thistle manager John Hughes ahead of tonight’s Europa League debut against Romanian side FC Astra.
Inverness make their European debut in the first leg of the second qualifying round this evening, a reward for winning the Scottish Cup last season.
Astra are in the Europa League for the third successive season and reached the group stages of the competition last year.
Hughes, who led both Falkirk and Hibernian into European competition earlier in his managerial career, reckons Inverness’ playing style could prove effective against the side which finished fourth in Romanian Liga 1 last season.
There will respect, but no fear from the Highlanders and Hughes said: “We have to be very careful when we play in Europe. We can’t play that Scottish style of football where the supporters want the match to be end to end.
“We don’t normally do that and is why I’m hoping we can be patient and the supporters will buy into us being patient.
“We could be vulnerable when we’re attacking and that’s why we have to watch that we’re not open to the counter-attack.
“This team will concede ground then be at us as soon as they get the ball.
“We have to be patient and supporters have to understand the match is over two legs.
“I think we’re every bit as good as them but it’s going to have to be a night where we respect our opponents – they have a pedigree in European football – but things have to click for us.
“It’s easier said than done because these teams are masters at the counter-attack. Trends come and go in football, but over the last few years teams want to sit in and let the other team have the ball.
“But we’re a good side and I trust in these players. I’m hoping we can dominate and take the game to them.
“I always concentrate on my team, I find it hard to watch opponents because I’m concentrating on the things I’ve done on the training pitch and want to see them implemented.”
The bulk of Inverness’ squad will be playing in European football for the first time this evening, and Hughes has urged his players to savour the experience.
Hughes was part of a Celtic side which suffered a 4-0 aggregate loss against Paris Saint-Germain in the second round of 1995-96 Cup Winners Cup, with the French outfit going on to win the competition that season.
Hughes has challenged his players to earn a crack at one of Europe’s bigger names, with the likes of German club Borussia Dortmund, France’s Bordeaux and Athletic Bilbao of Spain wait should Caley Jags progress to the third qualifying round.
Hughes added: “My best experience in Europe was when I played for Celtic against PSG, who won it that year.
“They had some wonderful players, The Brazilian Rai was in midfield, and Paul Le Guen as well, and the France international Bernard Lama was in goal. We lost 1-0 over in Paris and thought we had a chance. Then they turned the screw at Parkhead and beat us 3-0.
“Playing against that quality of player made it my best experience, I was up against a forward called Patrice Loko.
“He played off my look – every time I looked one way he’d go the other. He was electric.
“I respect people I play against but they’re going to have to run quick and jump high and be at their best because I’m going to be there for 90 minutes.
“That’s what I expect my players to do and those are the kind of characters I have in my squad. We can cause them problems and we won’t be intimidated.
“After the big occasions we’ve played in it won’t be a problem.”