Matjaž Kek is pleased that Stožice Stadium will be sold out, but he warns: “I hope people won’t forget that our team will also play”
Photo: Grega Valančič / Sportida
March will bring two matches for the Slovenian national team, first an away game against Malta (March 21), and five days later, a home spectacle against Portugal. Slovenian coach Matjaž Kek doesn’t hide his satisfaction as the Stožice Stadium is set to be sold out for the visit of Cristiano Ronaldo and his compatriots. He also emphasizes that people shouldn’t forget it’s not just about the superstar from Madeira but also about his teammates.
“Portugal is one of the strongest national teams in the world. I hope people won’t forget that our players will also be playing in the match, Slovenia. Jan Oblak, Benjamin Šeško, Andraž Šporar, Petar Stojanović, and others. The excitement is… That’s just how we are. I’m happy about the sold-out stadium and the good ticket package sales. People believe. We will try to make use of everything that will be offered to us. For me, these are not friendly matches but competitive games,” said Matjaž Kek at the press conference at Brdo pri Kranju, where he revealed the squad of players he will be counting on.
Regarding the battle with Cristiano Ronaldo, the Maribor native continued: “I care about it. Out of respect for him and everything he has done for football. People are interested, they would like to see him live. Of course, I am interested in my players. It’s recognition for the football association that managed to bring Portugal to Slovenia. Portugal is not just Cristiano Ronaldo; it’s a team that gives you a headache.”
But before facing the former European champions, a match with the tiny island from the Mediterranean awaits. “Malta plays with three at the back, that interests me; it will be interesting in the light of the matches against Denmark and Serbia. I wanted to play one game away; in May, I want both to be played at home. I have nothing to say about Portugal. We’ll see where we stand. In Bosnia, it was already 0:4 or 0:5 after half an hour. You have to go all in. We are not lacking challenges and motivation,” added Matjaž Kek.
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet
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