“Everything that is not a title or a cup trophy is not success for Maribor!” Despite this, Marko Šuler says that the derby is the match of all matches

Published on 9. May 2024 9. May 2024

Photo: Miloš Vujinović / Sportida

The work week is slowly coming to an end, and one of the last highlights of the Slovenian club season 2023/24 is at hand. On Saturday, Maribor and Olimpija will face off at Ljudski vrt, which will be bursting at the seams. The 157th Eternal Derby this time won’t decide the trophy, but nevertheless, Marko Šuler says it’s the match of all matches.

The sporting director of the violet team highlighted how important it would be for Maribor to defeat Olimpija, overtake them in the Prva liga Telemach standings, and then maintain the second position even in the last round. This would give them the opportunity to embark on the new season 14 days later ahead of the club that finishes third.

“The match of all matches. We know what the derby means, especially in Maribor. Especially in this period, which has been marked by non-sporting events, if I may put it that way. We endured four games without spectators in the stands, and I believe that we can expect a fantastic atmosphere upon the reopening of Ljudski vrt,” said Marko Šuler at the outset, for the club’s website.

Marko Šuler: “Maribor as We Want It”

“The derby comes in a very good period, which I believe will continue. However, every derby is a story of its own, and we are preparing according to the established rhythm. I have trust in the team, I had it even in the toughest times when many doubted. Now it’s showing that this team can ‘grind’ everything in front of it and represents Maribor as we want it. I expect a very good game; we approach the opponent with due respect. We are not interested in other matters; we don’t think about the situation in their camp. We want to be the ones who will have the main say on the pitch,” the former Slovenian national team player expects Maribor to play another very good game and once again confirm their excellent spring form.

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Finally, Marko Šuler admitted that the 2023/24 season cannot and is not successful for the Styrians, but a positive conclusion could bring many good things: “We are on the right track, in the right direction, but we are far from achieving our goal. Everything that is not a title or a cup trophy is not success for Maribor. However, it is about a better position in the European qualifications, and we know what Europe means to us in Maribor. When we add it all up, it’s important where you compete, when you start. This will only be an additional motivation to finish the season as high as possible in the standings. But I don’t like dealing with calculation, and I demand the same from the team. In the derby, only three points matter, and we will draw the line at the end of the season.”

This text was automatically translated using AI.

Author: editorial Football Planet