Ante Šimundža is more than satisfied after another convincing victory for Maribor: “There’s a big difference when you play on a fast pitch and not on pitch”

Published on 22. April 2024 22. April 2024

Photo: Žan Pak

Maribor continues its high pace, after winning the eternal derby in Ljubljana, the purple team celebrated three more points against Rogaška. Maribor had some unresolved encounters with them, and the condition of the playing surface in Rogaška Slatina was also recently disturbing for the purple team. Coach Ante Šimundža mentioned the pitch and sarcastically emphasized that there’s a big difference when “playing on a fast pitch and not on grass.” The result? A 3-0 victory for Maribor!

“It’s important that we’ve won another three points and remained calm enough. We’re aware that the game lasts for 90, 95, sometimes even 100 minutes. Rogaška presented themselves as a very aggressive team, but there was no nervousness when we didn’t score in the first half, as we expected a similar scenario or course of the game. We had three, four very good opportunities even before the break. Unfortunately, we didn’t score, and Rogaška didn’t have a real chance. Except for a shot intended as a cross, the guests didn’t threaten. Then we pushed the opponents back, took advantage of the opportunities, and when we look at everything that happened, we deservedly won. Indeed, there’s a big difference when you play on a fast pitch and not on grass,” Šimundža told the club’s website.

Šimundža: “Then it will be easier for them in life”

Maribor once again played in front of empty stands at the Ljudski vrt, yet still managed to secure another victory. The absence of Styria’s spectators evidently doesn’t bother them too much. Ante Šimundža: “We’ve played in front of empty stands against Radomlje and Mura before. Self-motivation is crucial here. When all the boys achieve it, life will be easier for them, not just in football. Some of us have been through all these emotional drains. From European matches to the Slovenian league and derbies, then back to Europe. I already pointed out in Ljubljana and before the match with Rogaška the realization that we had some newcomers in the derby. But we were emotionally full, even when directing those who have gone through it. That’s why it was easier for the newcomers, and I am extremely pleased with their and everyone’s desire to achieve results and the realization that we are competitive.”

This spring, Maribor played 7 league matches at the Ljudski vrt and recorded 7 victories, scoring 24 goals and conceding only two. “It’s gratifying to realize that the approach was right again, consistent throughout the entire game. The difference between halves this time was only in our efficiency. We will analyze everything, as not everything was good despite achieving the competitive goal, and then there will be a thorough preparation for Domžale again,” concluded Ante Šimundža.

This text was automatically translated using AI.

Author: editorial Football Planet