Ante Šimundža explained why Josip Iličić started the game on the bench and emphasized: “On a normal pitch, Barišić’s chance is a goal”
Photo: Žan Pak
Maribor failed to continue its winning streak in Rogaška Slatina. Rogaška remained undefeated against the favored opponent, and as already known, there was an outcry in Maribor’s camp due to the pitch conditions on which the match was played. Ante Šimundža is convinced that, for example, on a better pitch, Maks Barišić would have definitely scored a goal. The Maribor coach also explained why he sent the currently hot Josip Iličić into the game only at the end.
“It was a tactical aspect. With players who have a bit more, who are very quality in the attacking phase, we tried to raise the rhythm in the continuation of the match. We followed that plan, as you could see, we tried something, but unfortunately, the conditions no longer allowed it,” said Ante Šimundža to the club’s website.
The coach of the club from Ljudski vrt later admitted that he is satisfied with the point given all circumstances: “Both teams had equal playing conditions, and if we look at the incident that happened, we created better opportunities. We could have won three points, and we could have lost, but considering everything, a point is okay. On a normal pitch, Barišić’s chance is a goal. Despite the difficult pitch, we could have taken the lead, but the situation unfolded as it did, and we couldn’t influence that. The most important thing is that the guys played another match after three days and were at an adequate level. Rogaška had one more day of rest between preparations, but that doesn’t change the fact that we wanted to win. That’s how we positioned ourselves on the field, but many factors influenced the outcome.”
Ante Šimundža: “Pointless to analyze the game”
Although Maribor did not shine, Ante Šimundža added that his team did not disappoint him despite the demanding playing conditions. “I don’t believe that the guys from Rogaška’s team enjoy playing on this pitch or in this area. It might seem like an excuse, but I don’t justify our game. On the contrary, considering the conditions, I have no complaints. We played excellently, didn’t allow the opponent almost anything, we were more dangerous and more concrete. The opponents knew what and how regarding the game. They won the previous home game in a similar way. Domžale did not adapt, and we did. So, I’m talking only with facts about insights from the match, which would be pointless to analyze because the most important thing is that no one got injured. The ball was more in the air than on the ground. It’s a shame for the setting, as a nice number of spectators gathered. I believe that people in Rogaška Slatina deserve better conditions and better football,” concluded the coach of the Štajerska giant.
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet
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