«Correct management and self-concentration»
Vladan Ivić spoke to Novasports TV about the upcoming encounter against Panionios for matchday 4 of the Super League play-offs. Here is what he said:
On the team’s displays so far in the play-offs:
«The first round of play-off fixtures is over. It was very important to do well, because we started with zero points. We played two good games and a mediocre on, but managed to win the latter –and that was good. There are six days and three matches left. It’s the same for all teams. We will go match by match. Panionios are a very good team and have made it very tough for us. On Monday, we won 2-0 but things could have turned out differently. Panionios wasted a spot kick, had 2-3 decent shots from a distance and we expect a tough match on Thursday. Everybody is putting on a great effort for the players to be well rested«.
On whether it’s all about management now:
«Correct management is very important now. We have many players and some of them haven’t played and will be called to do so in the upcoming three matches. We need them all and that is the only way to achieve our goals«.
On the changes regarding the previous match against Panionios:
«We all know each other pretty well and there are no secrets between us. Perhaps both teams will make some changes in their line-ups, but that doesn’t change much. As we head towards the end of the season, fatigue becomes an important issue. There will be changes and everyone will try to rest players. My main concern is to maintain the players’ focus and convince them they must rest well, eat well, as everything is important. With matches every three days, even those of us sitting on the bench get tired physically, let alone the players…»
On whether changes in the rival teams affect his decisions:
«We only focus on our team. I don’t know which players Panionios will pick for the Toumba match, but we have made our plans and stick with them. We prepare for each match separately and we expect a strong Panionios«.
On the elements that will lead to success:
«I speak with my players a lot about tactics, but I won’t reveal our plans. Everything has gone well so far and I expect us to continue so in the upcoming games«.
On the many injuries suffered and the effect it had on the team:
«Injuries are normal in this stage of the season. We are approaching the end and players have been in action for 11 months. They have had many games to handle. I wish there weren’t injuries, but all teams suffer from such problems. We had more than our share, to be honest, and keep having them. That is part of our job. We do our best to provide the players with everything they need for a swift recovery«.
