Radoslav Batak, the coach of Vojvodina FC and the offensive player Nikola Čumić are optimists before the rematch with APOEL.
The players of the ’’old lady’’ will meet APOEL on Thursday at 20:00h in the rematch of the second qualifying round for the Europa Conference League.
– We expect to win, whether it’s with 1 goal difference, or from the penalty series or with 2 shots, we have been preparing for all scenarios. We believe in victory. We have another training to repeat some things and to enter the tomorrow’s game fully ready. With support of our fans, hopefully numerous, as well as the club’s management, that gave was wind in our sails yesterday at the founding assembly of Sports Society of Vojvodina. We are glad that the president, Dragoljub Zbijlić believes in us, because we also do, and we hope to create a spectacular atmosphere and use some of the chances we didn’t use in the previous duel. APOEL is a quality team of course, but I think we are better prepared, younger and faster, and we sure want that win tomorrow with all our hearts – Batak said.
He confirmed that Filip Malbašić will return for this rematch, but also that Asmir Kajević is not ready for the game.
– Lazarević returned after a minor injury and we are supported by Malbašić who is also back, but the questions is how much we can count on him given that he was out of play for some time. Unfortunately, we cannot count on Kajević this time – Batak said, highlighting that the team practiced penalties yesterday, and that they would also practice them during the final training.
Nikola Čumić invited the fans to come to the game, and reminded them that Voša won over Partizan and Čukarički at Karađorđe last season thanks to their great support.
– Our only wish is to qualify for the next round, and that is how we’ll play. In the first match we showed we can threaten them, and the second half is the right indicator of how we should play. Unfortunately, we entered the match perhaps with too much respect for their team, we gave them more space to play, because we were not good in pressing. In the second half we started playing our game, we were more aggressive, created several chances and it is a shame we achieved only one goal and didn’t manage to keep the positive result. I would use this opportunity to invite the fans to come in great numbers, because their support means a lot. Last season they led us to victory against Partizan and Čukarički, with full stands. It would be nice to see the full stadium, to win over APOEL and share the joy of victory together – Čumić stated.
He added that the defeat by the Red Star didn’t disrupt the atmosphere and that the team believes they can make it to the next qualifying round.
– The match against the Red Star didn’t throw us off track, the euphoria is still on, even though it is not pleasant when the team receives five goals. We know we can expect strong support tomorrow, the match is very important and we want to give our maximum at every moment, to win as many duels as we can, and I believe that if we do everything by the book, we will pass. We truly believe and feel that we can defeat them – Čumić stated.
Read all information about the tickets sales for this match HERE.
The rematch VOJVODINA – APOEL will be on Thursday, August 3rd at 20:00h and will be broadcasted on RTS 2 Channel.
