The coach of Vojvodina FC, Miroslav Tanjga is optimistic before the derby with the Red Star and hopes for a positive result.
The Old lady will face the team of Red Star on Saturday at 7 pm, and Tanjga underlines that the expectations are as high as always.
– The match like every match we play against the Red Star – expectations are high on both sides. For us it probably means more because of the placement and the play-off. Normally, we welcome this match like any other, with optimism and desire to win. Players are aware of the match importance, because those three points mean a lot more than just winning. This week they trained excellently, regardless of the problems we have been facing. As you all know, Sery left, and Sichenje is injured. We also lost Lucas Barros, who had an injury, so we have two players who are important because of their experience and quality, and who will not play, but we never cried or whined about these things. I can say that we are ready to welcome Red Star, that our heads are in the right place, and that everyone is aware of the match significance. I hope that the support of the fans will also help us, who will definitely come in large numbers this time. After playing without fans at the last match, and almost exactly like that in Zaječar, their support will be an additional motif. We have two matches left in the finale, we will give our 100% not to disappoint the fans. To me, it is important that the players realize that every team can be defeated, and tomorrow around 9 pm we will see if we were right – Miroslav Tanjga said.
He doesn’t want to talk about statistics and the fact that Vojvodina has not won against the Red Star since 2013 at Karađorđe stadium.
– Firstly, we have a bad tradition with the Red Star, but I don’t feel that. I used to play against them long time ago, and it is inappropriate for me to talk how it used to be, and how it is now, because it is entirely different. I think that as a player I never lost to Red Star. Maybe we had a different approach then. The players must believe in themselves more, everything begins in the head. When your head is in the right place, then you play better, run better and find a way to trick your opponent. As for the match shedule until the finish, I think that the players know that as well, and are aware of the situation. Some matches are of vital importance, but we will not remind them of that constantly. From day one, I said that we are going step by step, match by match, and that is how we behave. We will not deal with floscules because we know them all, whoever is in Vojvodina FC knows the motives and ambitions of the club. They already know their obligations and tasks. The pressure exists, but we have to rise above it. I don’t want to hear alibis. Not always does the better team win. In 1989, we were not the best team perhaps, but we had character and we wanted to win each game, each training. When you see someone is faster, you have to find a way to prevent him from using that speed. We are all aware that the Red Star played Champions League, that they have plenty of players in their pool. Nonetheless, we are playing 11 on 11 in Novi sad, and there is no reason not to give our maximum – Tanjga highlighted.
He also underlined that he would prefer that his team finally show their true face, and record a big victory, because Vojvodina has the quality to defeat everyone.
– We have to be compact, to act as one and defend ourselves, and then we will observe every chance to attack and score, because whomever scores more goals, wins. We should not be surprised by anything, we have to be in control when we attack, but also when we defend ourselves, we have to do everything we agree on during this break. Whoever makes less mistakes, will probably celebrate in the end. We have to be realistic and admit that even a draw is a positive result at this point in time, but it doesn’t mean that we will enter the pitch and defend ourselves in order to draw. We are going for victory, which is something we haven’t achieved since 2013, and I will say once again, that has to do with the strength and the character. Traditions are there to be broken, and everything has a beginning and an ending. I am not saying that will happen, but I would definitely like it – Tanjga said.
Seid Korać also stated his expectations.
– I want each fan to feel how the players fight for the crest, and to be proud of us after the match – he said.
Voša’s stopper reflected on the previous match against the Red Star at Karađorđe, when the result was 0:0.
– Honestly, that was last season, that’s past. This is a new game, and perhaps of greater importance than that one. I will give my all for my team, and I am certain that each of my teammates will do the same – Korać underlined.
The match between Vojvodina and Red Star is scheduled for Saturday at 7 pm, with a live broadcast at RTV1 and Arena Premium 1.
