The coach of Vojvodina FC, Bandović congratulated his players on their great fight in the match against Maribor.

The players of the Old Lady failed to make up for the result from Maribor, even though they celebrated with 1:0, after a penalty series they were eliminated from the Conference League.

  • I congratulate my players on their strength and fight, they left everything on the pitch in order to win. I think that we were better and that we deserved that second goal. In some situations, pressing didn’t work, but later we had possession and many chances where we could have had a better finishing pass. The game style in the regular part and the overtime, and energy, pressing, I believe that we played a good game. We didn’t pass, but I have to congratulate my players and thank the fans for their support. They saw our desire and motivation and that we gave our all. I congratulate Maribor and wish them all the best in the continuation of the competition – Bandović said.

He also reflected on the injured players who were obviously missing tonight.

  • We certainly miss them, but I have to clarify that those are mechanical injuries, both with Aleksa and Radulović. We only didn’t want to risk with Poletanović. Poletanović did four weeks of preparations and was under a question mark that there could be an injury. We hope that we will reinforce ourselves. The players who played tonight showed good game, and gave their maximum, and everyone recognized that – Bandović said.

Even though they were eliminated, Bandović is certain that this is the right path for Vojvodina.

  • In four games in Europe we showed good editions, I have a feeling that if I was a fan, I would be proud of that. Those two matches in the championship, i.e. Čukarički, we were not on the level. We have to realize chances, and defend better in order not to receive certain goals that we receive. Today, we were good in the defence. I believe in this team and this game, and it is only a matter of moment when it will return to us. We have to continue working in the championship – Bandović highlighted.

The coach of Vojvodina FC added that the team was better in all parameters, but that the result was lacking, and that they have to correct that.

  • Rhythm, tempo, energy, physical readiness, we were equals with everyone, especially tonight in the overtime. We played with a player less in Maribor, but we were nonetheless more dominants, just like tonight. I am certain that we are on the right path. We started making this team seven months ago, and we lack the result, but in this way they have to achieve a victory. From a psychological point of view, it can mean something to us that we won with 1:0 in the regular part, but unfortunately, we lost in the end.

 

In the end, he reminisced about the last year when Vojvodina played in the Conference League and was fifth.

  • Last year Vojvodina was the fifth, and played in the Conference League. This year we went into the Europa League, and showed that we can handle it, and that is why we need to continue down this road. The experience from these matches was important. I am ready to stay here for five years, I am happy in Vojvodina, but I want to be here because of my work. I am emotionally attached to the players and the club, and I continue my work, and whether the club is thinking about changes, I don’t know. We have excellent communication and everything is on a high level in every sense – Bandović explained.

 

He also said that the team, starting tomorrow, will prepare for the game against Radnički 1923.

  • We have to move forward. It is difficult, but we have to be strong, have character, which we showed tonight. We are preparing for the next match, there is no giving up – Bandović concluded.