Petar Stojanovic believes rankings don’t reflect Northern Ireland’s true value: ‘Points are not a realistic reflection of their value’
The Slovenian national team faces the fifth qualifying match for the Euro 2024and Petar Stojanovic is expected to play an important role in the showdown with Northern Ireland. It’s been a turbulent period for the Ljubljana player, as he found himself on the sidelines at Empoli, but also because he didn’t want to jeopardise his national team status, he moved to the
Sampdoria
. He went from Serie A to Serie B, and from a smaller club to a bigger one. But his view of the future is crystal clear: with Slovenia at Euro 2024, with Sampdoria among Italy’s elite! At the last press conference before the match against Northern Ireland, Petar Stojanović revealed his expectations and also talked about what Slovenia will have to pay attention to the most.
PETAR STOJANOVIĆ ON …
… against Northern Ireland:
“We are all aware that we have a very important match ahead of us. I think it can bring us a lot… We also play at home in front of our own fans. We are well prepared, we have analysed our opponents well and we know they are a quality team. The points they have chosen are not a realistic indication of their abilities. They are a very ‘physical’ team, they know how to play, so… We have a really tough game ahead of us. But our ambition is clear: to win all three points.”
… reminiscing about the friendly against Northern Ireland:
“I came off the bench and got a few minutes. I remember well… But that was seven years ago, and football has changed and progressed a lot. I don’t think that experience can do me any good, but it can’t do me any harm either. But it’s true that by then I had already experienced their way of football, which is specific. But generations have changed in the meantime, and we’ll see how it goes this time.”
… on Slovenia’s strengths and weaknesses:
“Playing at home in front of our own fans is definitely one of our great strengths. I am also convinced that the technical skills are on our side. Of course, that is not enough in today’s football. We have also experienced first-hand what it is like when you are not as physically fit as possible, when you do not fight as one, when you do not run all the time. Then technique does you no good either. If we as a whole are right, we can make a good result. Of course, we have to show all this on the field. Our weaknesses… I wouldn’t really talk about that. The opponent could have an advantage in high balls, because that’s the style of play they cultivate. But we are ready for anything. We are playing at home and we have to do everything to win the game.”
… about Northern Ireland having only three points:
“Their position in the rankings will certainly not fool us. Not by chance. As I said before: their points tally and their ranking is not a realistic reflection of their abilities. They are a quality team that we respect very much. But I will repeat: we are playing at home and we are aware of our qualities. But we will certainly not go into the reckoning with underestimation. Simply because, as I said, they only have three points… We could also have a point more, because we want to qualify for the European Championships.”
… about his more attack-oriented role in the national team:
“How I will play this time, if I do, is more a question for the selector. But I can say that I am ready to play anywhere on the pitch and in any position. All for the national team! And not just me, others have shown that they think the same way. But it’s true that I enjoy the position I play in the national team, so I hope that I will do even better than my legs in the future.”
… on a look at the Group H ranking:
“It was clear to all of us immediately after the draw that we were in a very open, very evenly matched group. That many things could happen. But it would be pointless to get too hung up on the current ranking and look too far into the future. At the moment, the most important game is the one against Northern Ireland. If we get all three points, we could be in a much better position. But where is the end of qualification… The selector has already repeatedly stressed that the decision will be made later, not in September. I think that is quite true. But, of course, every game is very important for us. Unfortunately, we lost in Finland, so now we have to do everything we can to get back in the game as soon as possible.”
… about playing in front of a packed stadium:
“This is just proof that the fans have recognised our effort, our fight. Every game played in front of full stands is a reward and an extra incentive for us. But we know that with that comes a greater degree of responsibility. I can never get enough of playing in front of full stands, it’s the best. When you get home from the club and you’re greeted by a full house… Yes, about how it’s infinitely easier to play with the support of the fans. Especially in difficult moments.”
… about a transfer to Sampdoria:
“I also decided to transfer because I haven’t had enough minutes at Empoli lately. I think it’s a big problem if you come to the national team from a club you don’t play for. And you know how it is in football: first you have to play for the club, then you can think about the national team. That was one of the main reasons why I changed my environment. I want to play. Sampdoria also presented me with a nice project. We know that it has been a difficult time for the club, but they are now back on their feet. Everyone knows that this is a great club with a great coach and great fans. I’m happy I transferred, and I’m happy I started playing straight away. I hope it will continue like this.”
This text was automatically translated using AI.
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