Jan Repas after a new goal and a good starting position before the return match: “We forced the opponent to defend, which took a lot of energy out of them”
Photo: Žan Pak
Jan Repas clearly has a knack for scoring goals in this year’s European matches at Ljudski vrt, as he added another goal in the second consecutive match, significantly contributing to Maribor‘s victory in the opening game of the second round of qualifying for the Conference League. The purple midfielder talked about his impressions after the match, playing alongside brother Žiga, and more…
“We knew we were up against a tough opponent, in my opinion even better than Botev, but we approached the game very well. With our combination play, we managed to get into their penalty area. Then, the red card made things easier for us, as we forced the opponent to defend, which drained a lot of their energy. Thankfully, we scored in the second half, making things much easier for everyone, and we managed to secure an extremely important second goal and a nice advantage before the return leg,” summarized the 27-year-old his first impressions after a good start for the return match.
The turning point was the red card on the 31st minute for the visitors, which allowed Maribor to intensify their offensive on the Romanian goal. “Having an extra player definitely helps in tiring out the opponent. Our goal was to keep the ball as much as possible, with many transitions and switching sides, which then creates spaces for short through passes. I think the advantage of having an extra player tipped the scales in our favor, but regardless, we had already started the game well.”
“As soon as we start complicating things in attack, all the opposing players get back into their own penalty area, making it almost impossible to break through. We realize that we could be a bit simpler, but our style of play is to try to score through combinations. Sometimes this pays off, and other times it just makes things more difficult. It is true that there won’t be much space like that in European matches,” commented the former Domžale player on possible improvements in finishing attacks.
Recently, the midfield duo of the Repas brothers has settled into the Maribor lineup, with their connection visible both on and off the field, though there have been some changes in their style of play. “During the match, we sense who will push higher. I think I join the attack more often, attacking the space between the right back and the central defender. We work on instinct without prearranging anything. However, it’s true that his previous position was much closer to the opponent’s goal than it is now. He has to listen to me because he is younger (laughs). I know he is intelligent as well, so we help each other in training, which makes it easier for both of us. Otherwise, I definitely give him some advice.”
Repas before the trip to Romania: “We expect a tougher game than today’s”
One of the heroes of the purple team was undoubtedly Etienne Beugre, whose fighting spirit in attack brought the advantage of an extra player, which was crucial for the course of the match. However, the 23-year-old forward received tragic news of his father’s death before the match. “It definitely shocked all of us; after all, we are only human, so it didn’t have a good effect on us. But somehow, the coach warned us in the pre-match meeting that this is a part of life, that such things happen, and that we would play the match for Etienne, which we did. We can’t even imagine how hard it is for him, but maybe this team spirit also brought us together to play the match for him. I respect him for playing the entire game.”
“The return leg will be tough. We know how Craiova plays at home, we expect a lot of spectators, a good stadium, and a top atmosphere, and an even tougher game than today,” concluded Jan Repas with thoughts on the next challenge.
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet
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