Miha Zajc and the coach Marko Nikolić also spoke of their expectations at the press conference in Ljubljana. The last confrontation of the leading teams of the First League TS in November in Stožice was spectacular, and ended with a tie 2:2, when Andraž Šporar scored just before the final whistle.

"I would prefer a less open, and less uncertain match than the last one in Ljubljana. I would like the spectators to enjoy every moment of the match, but it is rather unpleasant to be forced to wait until the last minute to equalize. I don't wish that. I would like us to secure the victory sooner," Matić revealed his thoughts to MMC.

Changes in defence and transition into attack
And how to prepare for a team which five days before the derby changes its coach? "Only today we started detailed preparations. We are facing a very difficult task, as we don't know what to expect from Maribor. Nor do they know what to expect from us… A coach can change a number of things in three days, yet no drastic changes are possible. We just intend to focus on our tasks. Our performance in the first half-time against Koper was poor, perhaps the worst since we play together. In the second half-time we did much better. I am positive we won’t ever again repeat such a poor performance."

M. R.
Translated by G. K.