FC Astra manager Marius Sumudica has warned Caley Thistle he plans to make them victim to a backlash, after describing his side’s crushing 5-1 defeat at home to Targu Mures on Sunday as his worst coaching moment.
Caley Jags need to win to keep alive their hopes of setting up an all-British third qualifying round tie against West Ham United, who hold a 1-0 first leg lead against Maltese outfit Birkirkara.
Sumudica said: “The match with Targu Mures was the worst I have had as a coach. When it ended I was ashamed. I have a chance to erase this. With a good game and skill against Inverness, then a good game at Craiova this weekend, people will forget.
“Let’s hope it was an accident caused by the programme, travel and several reasons that benefited Targu Mures. “What is important is the Inverness game. Everyone will be looking to win.
“There is the financial aspect as well. We would play West Ham and then qualification would bring more money. “If I was asked to sacrifice the Targu Mures game for a win against Inverness and group stage qualification, I would accept.”
FC Astra v Caley Thistle: Backlash warning from Romanians
