The coach of Vojvodina FC Božidar Bandović is optimistic before the rematch against Ajax FC in the second round of qualifications for Europa League.

The Old lady received one goal at the last match, when Ajax celebrated at Johan Cruyff Arena with the result 1:0.

  • We played the first match well, but Ajax FC has the advantage because they scored 1 goal. It will be very difficult and that is why we will have to be maximally focused, since we are facing a very quality rival and a big club. Still, we have enough time to get some rest, we analyzed the rival and we are ready to play for 90 minutes and we will do everything to achieve a positive result – Bandović said.

To the question of a Dutch journalist about the first match and the constatation that Vojvodina played even better in the second half, Bandović responded that Ajax had an excellent team and that his team must play even better at the rematch.

  • I think that we were very good in the first part of the match, but that later on, in the finish of the first half we had a few difficulties. In the second half we changed the game, we played better pressing, but simple, even when you play aggressively. The second half was better and more offensive and defensive, but now we have to be even better, because we are expecting a more difficult match. Maybe Ajax didn’t expect such a difficult match, and I think that they will have a different approach now. Even though we as coaches always prepare for the difficult matches, and for us it is very important that we are playing with our fans by our side, and that will be our help. Ajax is very dangerous in the attack, they have a special tactics, the backs are inserting themselves high, and we have to be ready for all situations – Bandović pointed out.

The national team players from the Netherlands, Brobbey and Bergwijn are not among the players who arrived to Novi Sad for the rematch, but that doesn’t change Bandović’s plan.

  • As a coach I always believe that a team should not depend on one or two individual players. They have enough good players, which we saw at the first match. Ajax is still a very dangerous and organized team with excellent individuals – Bandović highlighted.

 

Finally, he said that the atmosphere in the team is excellent, and that all players are healthy and ready for the rematch.

  • From the first day of the summer preparations, we didn’t have any problems with injuries. The atmosphere is great, which we managed to retain from the last season, maybe now it is even better, and I am really happy that we have such an atmosphere in the team, and that we have a team like this. The players are giving their maximum at each training sessions, and the fans recognize that energy and it is an honor to work with this team. Aside from tactical and physical, the psychological plan is very important and when you have a good team spirit, then the team has no limits, and that is my opinion – Bandović concluded.

The match between Vojvodina and Ajax is scheduled for Thursday, August 1st at 8 pm, with the live broadcast at Arena Premium 1.