Maribor confidently heading into the eternal derby, Sven Šoštarič Karič emphasizes: “With full stands, we’re determined to delight the fans”

Saturday will be the day of the 157th eternal derby, which also brings a hefty dose of competitive tension. Maribor and Olimpija are battling for second place on the table; the Ljubljana side currently holds a one-point lead, but if the Purples prevail… Moreover, it’s not insignificant that there will be spectators again at Ljudski vrt, and a large turnout is expected. Sven Šoštarič Karič emphasizes that there is a very good atmosphere in the purple dressing room before the derby, which is not surprising given the results.

“This will be the finest upgrade of the spring part. Let’s finish the season in ‘style’, the fans will be able to be with us again, and those are special feelings for everyone. We were successful in matches before empty stands, but we hope this won’t happen again. Once we broke the ice with that first match, it was easier afterwards. We had to adapt, but it’s a backdrop no one likes. That period is behind us now. I believe an outstanding derby awaits us, with full stands, and we will do everything to delight the fans,” Sven Šoštarič Karič told the club’s website.

The defender contributed to the victory against Celje: he scored for the third time this season, netting two goals against the newly crowned champions. “I’m glad I contributed to the win. But it’s all for the team, which is always in the foreground, and each of us tries to do our part to contribute to winning three points in every single match,” says the satisfaction of the 26-year-old Sven Šoštarič Karič.

Šoštarič Karič: “Celje Deserved Champions”

The former Domžale player added about Celje against Damir Krznar’s squad: “Good game, excellent outcome. We created quite a few chances, so did the visitors, but we were more effective and deservedly won. We started the match well, had some promising situations to score more goals, and the further course of the match would have been even easier. We already reached 3:0, then we conceded that goal, unfortunately unnecessary, but fortunately it didn’t affect the outcome. Three points stayed at home, which is the most important thing.”

Regarding the title race, the defender of the Styrians openly admits that Celje deservedly celebrated: “Congratulations to Celje. I think they are deserved champions, they were also the best in terms of consistency throughout the competition. But our victory in the direct duel is a reflection of what we are capable of and it’s pleasing to realize that with our performances in the spring part, we climbed the table and also defeated the reigning champions.”

Photo: Žan Pak

This text was automatically translated using AI.

Author: editorial Football Planet

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