Ante Šimundža satisfied after the big win over Domžale: “To progress from game to game and in all segments of the game of football”

Published on 30. September 2024 30. September 2024

Photo: Žan Pak

Maribor faced Domžale in the latest match of the 10th round of the Slovenian championship and celebrated a 3:0 victory. With this win, the Štajerci closed the gap to Olimpija to just one point. The scorers for Maribor were Orphe Mbina, Josip Iličić, who scored from the penalty spot, and Žiga Repas. Coach Ante Šimundža was pleased with the lead his team established in the first half and praised the returning players from injury, Josip Iličić and Martin Milec. He also had words of praise for the Repas brothers.

“The start was very good; in the first five to ten minutes, we were close to scoring. Then, the players from Domžale stabilized a bit, but at the end of the first half, we achieved the lead we wanted. It could have been even more pronounced due to our excellent start to the match. In the second half, we raised our game, were better in ideas and the way we wanted to play. The win was well-deserved,” Ante Šimundža said after the match near Kamniška Bistrica.

Domžale Maribor — Photo: Nik Moder / Sportida

Regarding the experienced returnees, the coach of the purple team from the Štajerska capital continued: “A welcome reinforcement that brings us greater diversity. Jojo took just a hit, and we knew he wouldn’t be out long. Martin needed more time due to the nature of his injury, but we are happy he returned quickly. To get him back into the rhythm of the entire game, we will gradually increase his playing time. We know that a broad squad allows us to raise intensity and brings an additional dimension since we can elevate our level of play with substitutions during the game, which is crucial for achieving our goals.”

Ante Šimundža: “The Repas brothers are very important players”

The Repas brothers played a good match, especially Jan Repas, who was involved in all three goals, providing the assist for the third to his younger brother Žiga Repas. “They are very important players in our team. If they continue like this, it will be good for both of them and for us. Jan is already a regular, and Žiga has been progressing well with the team lately, especially in understanding all aspects of the game,” Ante Šimundža explained.
Maribor’s next challenge is set for Sunday when the Štajerski derby will take place again. “We take it step by step, focusing on each next game individually. We have our goal, which we do not deviate from. First, we will conduct a thorough analysis of the match against Domžale and then shift our focus to preparations for the match against Celje. Our desire is to progress from match to match and improve in all segments of the game,” Šimundža said.

Finally, Šimundža touched on the health status of the team: “Božić will have a two-week break, after which the medical staff will decide on further steps based on the condition of his shoulder. Sousa has knee problems, and we expect him to be out for 4 to 6 weeks; only then will he be able to join training.”