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Last Updated: Tuesday, 14 September, 2004, 02:52 GMT 03:52 UK
Langer hails team spirit
Hal Sutton and Barnard Langer pose for the cameras ahead of the 35th Ryder Cup
Europe's Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer has emphasised the strength of his players' team spirit ahead of Friday's first day.

The team, defending the trophy won at The Belfry in 2002, arrived in Detroit on Monday with Langer eager to focus on the camaraderie in the team.

"The players are getting on fantastically already," said Langer.

"There are no animosities or egos involved - they have a friendship and enjoy being together, playing golf."

Langer added: "We've just started the week and the bonding and I don't think we're going to have any issues.

"All 12 guys I have on my team - everybody loves to play with everyone so it doesn't matter who I put together.

"They're all going to get along and that's a thrill."

The 47-year-old, a veteran of 10 Ryder Cups as a player, admitted he had started to formulate the pairings in his head, although the line-up was still to be finalised.

I'll be very disappointed if we don't bring back the trophy
Colin Montgomerie
"I did talk with a number of the players (on the flight) and started thinking of my pairings," said Langer.

"But there's still a long way to go and I've already had a few lists and then crumpled them up and thrown them away.

"I suppose that will continue to go on for the next couple of days."

Meanwhile, Colin Montgomerie has warned his Europe team-mates that will not be able to use the hostile crowd as an excuse if they fail to retain the trophy.

Montgomerie, who has been singled out for abuse by American galleries in the past, said the in-form team would have to rise above the crowd.

"For the first time, we're not going over there as underdogs," he said.

"Don't get me wrong, it will be difficult - playing away from home's always harder.

"But I'll be very disappointed if we don't bring back the trophy."




WATCH AND LISTEN
Interview: European captain Bernhard Langer



Interview: US Ryder Cup captain Hal Sutton





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