Oleg Luzhny is fearful what may happen to Dynamo Kiev when they tackle Manchester United in the Champions League at Old Trafford on Wednesday.It is only two weeks since United put four past the Ukrainians, with Owen Hargreaves noting a sense of fright among the hosts' line-up as they faced the Premier League champions.
Since then, former Arsenal star Luzhny has replaced Jozef Szabo, who has been forced to stand down temporarily due to heart problems.
Luzhny accepts there could be no more difficult introduction to life as a top-flight boss.
And, after suffering at Sir Alex Ferguson's hands on many occasions in the past, he is concerned about the outcome.
"This is a big step for me and I do worry about tomorrow's game," he said.
"Manchester United are one of the best teams in the world and I have been here on quite a few occasions with Arsenal and found it difficult.
"I have only had two or three days to prepare for this game and it is just not enough time."
Luzhny's preparations are not being helped by uncertainty over the fitness over Sergei Rebrov.
The former Tottenham striker missed the first meeting between the sides with a knee injury and, while the 33-year-old has made the journey to Manchester, he is by no means certain to play a part.
Top scorer Maksim Shatskikh is definitely out, so if Rebrov fails to make it, Luzhny's attacking options will have been ripped apart.
And, as Dynamo's defence hardly looked watertight in the face of an assault from Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez a fortnight ago, the new coach's concern is understandable.
Still, as introductions go, facing Ferguson is a fairly mouth-watering one as the Scot celebrates 21 years at the United helm this week.
"Sir Alex has achieved such great results during his time at United," Luzhny said.
"You can only admire his record. Everyone would like to do that.
"I have not been in the job very long but I am already aware of the difference between playing and managing.
"As a player, you can just look after yourself.
"As a manager, you worry about everyone - and that is what I am doing."
More Football News from TEAMtalk
