ST. PETERSBURG, February 12 (R-Sport) - Portugal center-back Luis Neto said Tuesday he is ready to make his debut for Zenit St. Petersburg at home to Liverpool, despite the added pressure of the Europa League clash.
The Russian champions host Liverpool on Thursday in the first leg of their clash in the round of 32.
“Liverpool is one of the biggest teams in England, a top-level side,” Neto said at his unveiling. “I think I’m ready to play, but only the game can show it.”
Neto arrived from Serie A side Siena two weeks ago and said he had adapted well at Zenit.
“The level of training sessions and players is very high,” he said. “I have very good impressions from the training. Everything that I had expected came true. I’m very pleased.”
Neto made his international debut for Portugal alongside Zenit teammates Bruno Alves and Danny last week in a 3-2 friendly loss to Ecuador.
He has not played in any of Zenit's winter friendlies and his time with the national side has reduced his training time with his new club.
Liverpool have already faced Russian opposition this season in the group stage, beating Anzhi Makhachkala 1-0 at Anfield and losing away by the same score.
The second leg of the Zenit-Liverpool tie will be played February 21, with the winners to meet either Spain's Levante or Greece's Olympiacos in the last 16.
