McGinley is wary of his opponents (©GettyImages). Europe's Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has warned his side not to underestimate their opponents ahead of this month's event, according to Sky Sports.
The U.S side are considered the underdogs, with many question marks surrounding the wildcard selections and the lack of form from some of the players.
Revenge
But, after having victory snatched away from them on home soil two years ago, the U.S will be keen for revenge when the battle commences on September 26.
McGinley has insisted that Europe will not be complacent and will ensure that his team are fully motivated ahead of the event.
"I think we've got a slightly different threat from America than we've had in the past as they really feel like they're underdogs and they're up against it," McGinley said.
"We will not be underestimating America. We will be absolutely ready for this."
Momentum
The Irishman will be in attendance at the Wales Open this week, the final event ahead of next week's Ryder Cup as some European team members will be hoping to build some momentum by winning the tournament at the Celtic Manor.
McGinley played in three successive Ryder Cups in 2002, 2004 and 2006 and is hoping to use his leadership skills to make sure his team successfully defend their trophy.
"I'm under no illusions whatsoever, neither are the players. I've spoken to them all and we're all really gung-ho and ready for this.
"This is not about being complacent. If we don't win this Ryder Cup it won't be because of complacency, I can assure you of that. We're very motivated.
"We know it's going to be a very strong American team, we know it's going to be a very strongly motivated team, and a strongly-led American team. This is going to be very, very difficult to win this Ryder Cup."
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Preparation
If Europe don't triumph at Gleneagles, it won't be down to the lack of preparation from McGinley and his team. He has named five members for his back room staff to ensure every detail is covered, including taking photos of the walk to the first tee at the Perthshire course allowing the players to know what to expect.
He has also played the course himself to discover the challengers the course may provide.
Stern test
McGinley knows that Gleneagles will prove a stern test but feels this week's Wales Open presents an ideal opportunity to practice.
"I've said before so many times about the examination paper that Gleneagles is going to pose," he said.
"I wanted to align the set up of this golf course very similar to that, preparing for the examination paper that's going to be next week but doing it in a competitive environment in a very good strong tournament like the Welsh Open."
Rest
Some of McGinley's players aren't competing in this week's Wales Open and the captain is glad that some of them are getting in some much needed rest.
"A lot of the players are resting now," he said.
"Particularly the ones who played in America the last few weeks and right to the end of the Tour Championship. Obviously a rest is the most important thing for them.
"We've got three sets of fours, four guys doing their thing on their own, preparing, four guys playing here this week and then of course the guys who played last week need rest more than anything else.
"I'm delighted that the guys in America have got a week off to prepare - they need that. It didn't happen at Medinah and I think we suffered from that, some of our players suffered from fatigue as a result."
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