FK Dobovec are going to Europe again: they will play AE Illes Balears Palma Futsal, Futsal Dinamo and United Galati in the group
Photo: FB Futsal klub Dobovec
Today marks the start of the main stage of the UEFA Futsal Champions League, where the Slovenian champion FK Dobovec will once again compete among Europe’s elite. The team enters the new season ranked as the eighth-best in Europe. This will be Dobovec’s eighth European campaign, and they will face a tournament in Spain, hosted by the reigning two-time champions AE Illes Balears Palma Futsal. Dobovec is in Group 3 of the main stage, where they will compete against the Croatian champions Futsal Dinamo and Romanian champions United Galati. Three tough challenges lie ahead for the Slovenian side.
The team has undergone significant changes, including on the coaching bench. Rok Mordej has taken over as head coach, replacing Kujtim Morina. Mordej, who scored nine goals for Dobovec in European competitions, will now test his skills as a coach for the first time.
FK Dobovec will open their campaign against the Romanian champions United Galati, which will mark the club’s 40th European match. So far, they have scored 93 goals in European competitions. The Romanian team is led by Ricardo Camara Sobral, known as Cacao, a two-time Champions League winner with Kairat and one of the world’s top futsal coaches.
Rok Mordej emphasized in an interview with Planet nogomet: “Cacao is an exceptional coach who will undoubtedly prepare his team well. We understand the importance of this game as it is crucial for advancing to the top 16 in Europe. While the Romanians may be more skilled, we can hope for success with strong energy and determination.”
First Match Crucial for Dobovec
Mordej also highlighted the importance of the opening match: “The first match will be key to our chances of advancing. We know that Dinamo and Palma are stronger teams, but we will give everything to secure a win. Ultimately, the game on the court will decide – if we perform at our best, we can succeed. If not, it will be another valuable experience for us.”
The day after their opener against United Galati, FK Dobovec will face the Croatian champions Futsal Dinamo on Friday, which will be another tough challenge. Dinamo boasts exceptional players, including young Slovenian talent Luka Čop. Dobovec will also face former teammates Patrik Pasariček and Tihomir Novak on the court.
Mordej acknowledged the strength of Dinamo: “Besides Palma, Dinamo is undoubtedly the strongest team in this tournament. We will approach the match calmly and without pressure. We must prepare for their zonal pressing and individual quality, as Patrik and Tiho bring a wealth of experience. Although we are good friends off the court, we will be opponents on it.”
The coach also praised his former teammates: “Patrik is a player we developed to the point where he can play at the highest level. I wish him all the best in his career. I also highly regard Tihomir as one of the most complete players in the Balkans. I’m glad I had the chance to play alongside him.”
Young Luka Čop, set to represent Futsal Dinamo in the Champions League, shared his thoughts ahead of the tournament: “The Champions League is finally here, and we’ve been eagerly awaiting it. We have a strong group and aim to win all three games. We are well-prepared and believe we can defeat Palma, Dobovec, and United Galati.”
Palma the Group Favorite
The tournament will conclude on Saturday with an evening match against the hosts, the two-time consecutive champions Illes Balears Palma Futsal. The game against the hosts will be the highlight of the tournament, where Dobovec will face one of the strongest teams in Europe.
Mordej acknowledges that Palma is the favorite: “Palma is the group’s top favorite and will likely take all the points. In a way, this will be the toughest match, but perhaps also the easiest, as we will already know the standings by then. We will approach the game relaxed and confident.”
FK Dobovec has reached the top 16 in Europe seven times, but Mordej warns of the challenges this year: “This year will probably be the hardest. I believe we are falling behind Europe’s best teams, and it will only get more difficult for future champions to reach the top 16.”
Finally, Mordej emphasizes the need for changes in Slovenian futsal: “We will likely need to make significant changes to raise the level of futsal in Slovenia, educate coaches, and continue to compete at the European level.”
We wish the Slovenian champions FK Dobovec the best of luck in the Champions League!
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet
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