News

Loffreda backing crouched Tigers

May 28 2008

Leicester Tigers boss Marcelo Loffreda has issued a warning to Guinness Premiership rivals Wasps, saying his players are full of "confidence and self-belief" ahead of the Twickenham clash.

The former Argentina Head Coach, who has reportedly been under pressure during a tough first year at the helm, is poised to lead his side out for a second final this season on Saturday.

And he believes that this time the Tigers will not suffer a repeat of the Ospreys EDF Final defeat as confidence is sky-high in the camp.

"It will be important for us all at the club if we can come back with a trophy," he said, speaking to the Leicester Mercury.

"We know it is going to be very tough but we are preparing well.

"With wins over Harlequins and Gloucester, the confidence of the team has changed in the last three weeks. We deserve to be there.

"Before those wins, our mental state was not as good as it is now.

"Physically, we could have been better too. But we have been working on those issues and we have improved.

"We are in good shape. The last few weeks have given us a real push forward.

"We have confidence and a lot of self-belief. This is the biggest test of the season."

However, Loffreda is fully aware of the fierceness of the showpiece ahead as two of England's greats go toe-to-toe once again at HQ.

"We know all about the rivalry with Wasps and we are looking forward to it," he continued.

"We have a lot of respect for Wasps, they are a great team in this sort of situation. They are full of outstanding players.

"We must have conviction in our own principles and carry out our game plan."