After unlucky defeat in Koper, crucial weeks for Radomlje, Rok Ljutić stresses: “We have enough quality to go for all nine points”

Published on 30. September 2024 30. September 2024

Photo: Global Game Media

After his second exclusion this year, Uroš Korun was once again replaced by Rok Ljutić, who, alongside Gabro Dobrovoljec, put up an excellent resistance against the favored opponent. However, the Radomljani conceded a stunning goal from Omar El Manssouri in the dying moments of the match against Koper, which was enough to keep the victory at Bonifika.

“Of course, the disappointment is great. I believe we didn’t deserve this, especially after being down a player for more than half the game,” Rok Ljutić initially lamented to Planet nogomet. At times, the millers dominated the field and, with a bit of luck, could have taken the lead in the second half. However, the home goalkeeper read the intentions of young Gambian Halife Kujabi: “A point would have been fair. After Halife’s opportunity, we felt on the pitch that we could achieve more than just a draw.”

Since the defense is always the most vulnerable to cards, the defenders waiting for their chance from the bench are always ready to jump onto the pitch, said the 21-year-old from Koper, who is originally from Gorica. He didn’t shy away from the opportunity presented to him: “Before every match, we know that something like this can happen in an instant, just like this time, so I try to be at 100 percent throughout the game and, of course, observe the movements of the opposing midfielders and forwards, so I can adapt more easily on the pitch in similar situations, like the one in Koper.”

Rok Ljutić: “A completely realistic option”

The next 14 days will be very, very important for Radomljani, even though we are just at the beginning of October, in the fight for survival. They have three matches ahead of them that could be characterized as a gladiatorial battle for life or death. First, conditionally speaking, two home matches: one against Nafta and a “visit” to Domžale, followed by a postponed match in Nova Gorica against Primorje.

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“All the mentioned matches will be very important. I would be lying if I said there isn’t some nervousness before them. We will approach each one separately. All four teams are in a similar situation, which isn’t exactly optimal, but I believe we are good enough to aim for a full harvest of nine points, which is a completely realistic option. However, it wouldn’t be too disappointing if we at least get seven,” emphasized Rok Ljutić.

The young player made his 10th appearance in the Telemach First League on the Coast on Sunday, of which nine were in the yellow jersey, and he recorded one in the Gorica jersey, where he made his debut in the last round of the 2020/21 season and scored his only top-flight goal for a 1:0 victory. (dk)