Fulham have been told they will feel like they are in hell when they face Dinamo Zagreb in the second round of the UEFA Cup in Croatia tomorrow - but racism will not be a problem.
Some of Jean Tigana's black players were racially abused when they played their first round match in the country against Hajduk Split last month and they are expecting more of the same.
However, Zagreb officials are confident there will not be a repeat.
President Zdravko Mamic said: "It will be hell for the English side because of the atmosphere that will be created from the 30,000 people at the stadium, as well as the furious pressure that will be created by our players on the pitch.
"I have heard that Fulham are concerned over possible racist taunts and that really surprises me.
"We don't even know what racism is in Croatia and the black people who live here are warmly welcomed."
Zagreb scout Mladen Frenc watched defenders Alain Goma and Zat Knight struggle against hat-trick hero James Beattie in the 4-2 defeat at Southampton last Sunday and says he has spotted Fulham's weakness.
He added: "Their defence is very slow and that is our chance tomorrow.
"Tigana's players are obviously very tired. I believe that will be enough for at least a 1-0 win for us."
Fulham defender Steve Finnan agreed that the effects of an early start to the season in the InterToto Cup - which gave them their UEFA Cup place - are starting to show.
He said: "When you play a lot of games you can talk about tiredness. It is mental as well as physical and it could just be a couple of per cent - but that is not an excuse. We've got a big squad and players have been rested.
"There is talk of a hostile atmosphere and racist remarks, which shouldn't happen, but it will just be more experience for the players.
"We don't mind if it is hostile - it just makes you feel better if you get a result."
Source Evening Standard by Leo Spall