Before a big competition, even friendly matches are not without intensity, emphasizes Timi Max Elšnik: “Such matches are anything but friendly”
![Before a big competition, even friendly matches are not without intensity, emphasizes Timi Max Elšnik: “Such matches are anything but friendly”](https://footballplanet.si/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/timi-max-elsnik-8.jpg)
Photo: Vid Ponikvar / Sportida
Slovenia will start its opening match of the year tonight at 19:00 Slovenian time, a year that also includes participation in a major tournament. The squad of Matjaž Kek, who traveled to Malta despite the death of his father, will face Malta away. Timi Max Elšnik, who visited Planet Football before leaving for the national team gathering also emphasized that Slovenia must take the task very seriously without the slightest doubt.
“Malta is important for us from several aspects. One of them is that we had quite some trouble with Denmark in the qualifiers, who played with three at the back. Malta plays in a similar way, so we need to take advantage of the match against an opponent from which we can learn a lot, gain something useful. I have no doubt that it will be interesting, especially in terms of how we will counter a formation that has caused us problems in the past,” said the captain of Olimpija, Timi Max Elšnik for Planet Football.
Timi Max Elšnik: “You simply want to play well”
The midfielder also highlighted something that should not be overlooked: Slovenia, as a participant in the tournament in Germany, will be under the scrutiny of competitors, the public, and many prestigious clubs in the months leading up to the competition. So, there’s no doubt that it pays off to prove oneself in such matches as well…
“You should never take the national team for granted. Who knows how many more times you’ll be part of it, how many more games you’ll play… Thus, every appearance is always a great honor and also a commitment to be the best version of yourself each time. You can only remain in the national team if you prove over and over again that you deserve it. Besides, a very special period is now coming… The European Championship will be a springboard for the careers of many guys. And even a friendly match can start many things. After all, also in terms of discussions and potential transfers. You simply want to play well and prove yourself to many. We’re going all out. No, these are not just ordinary friendly matches…” elaborated the 25-year-old Timi Max Elšnik, who has played 11 matches for Slovenia so far. You can read the full interview with Elšnik at this link.
This text was automatically translated using AI.
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