If someone sees Slovenia as a tourist, that’s fine, but… Matjaž Kek has sent a clear message from Germany about Slovenia’s high goals
Photo: Nik Moder / Sportida
Slovenia started the final stage of preparations for Euro 2024 in Wuppertal. Even before the first training session on German soil, Slovenian coach Matjaž Kek addressed the media, offering insight into Slovenia’s health status at the venue of this year’s European Championship, making it clear to all competitors that his team has not come just for a tourist visit.
“I’ve said before that I don’t see myself as a tourist but as a competing coach. We’ve come to compete, and that’s how we’ll present ourselves. I’m only interested in preparing the team for a positive outcome, regardless of the opponents – starting with England. I’m pleased that Slovenia, with its specific recognition, is part of this major sporting event,” said the Maribor native.
Matjaž Kek, who previously led Slovenia at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where they came close to advancing to the knockout stage, continued regarding the competitive aspect of Euro 2024: “Few see Slovenia going deep into the competition. It pleases me that some don’t count us out from the start. When you look at all the predictions, and everyone is ranked higher than us, it can only be an additional challenge and motivation. I’m pleased with the response from the audience in the second preparatory match against Bulgaria. We’re not a powerhouse, not a giant, but I assure you we will remain true to ourselves with our approach and presentation. However, I cannot be satisfied with what we currently have. ”
The first opponent for Slovenia will be Denmark, with the match scheduled in Stuttgart on Sunday. “Training sessions were divided because some players arrived late. I’m never entirely satisfied; even the two preparatory matches showed that we’re heading in the right direction, but there are games where this level of play won’t be enough. There’s more buzz around the team than what we’re creating in training. This established rhythm remains the same. I want the boys to be relaxed and true to themselves. The quality of opponents in such competitions is at the highest level, so you have to be fully prepared in every aspect. I don’t particularly like the June schedule, but I think it’s pulled our players in now,” said the experienced coach, also the record holder for the number of matches on Slovenia’s bench.
Matjaž Kek: “We Can Do Much Better”
Lastly, Matjaž Kek admitted that feelings have already shifted somewhat towards euphoria upon arrival in Germany, which is quite normal before a major tournament: “I had the feeling that some were still not quite in this movie. The boys got suits to look nice. With the water cannons at the airport, some probably started to feel their hearts beating faster. However, I’d like us all to calm down. Our national team is young, and we want to show a lot more. If some experiences are well received, it can be useful, but there’s no need to preach too much. A lot has changed since South Africa, after all, it’s been fifteen years. I want to lead in my way, and the boys should think in their way. As a coach, it burdens me that we weren’t quite right in both preparatory matches. I’m confident we can do much better.“
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet