Sunday is the day for the Styrian derby: Maribor will try to deepen the minor crisis of Celje, which has two defeats under its belt, in Ljudski vrt
Photo: Žan Pak
After a calm Saturday, which featured just one match, the Sunday action in the Telemach First League will be significantly more eventful. Three matches are scheduled, with the first kicking off in Ajdovščina at 3 PM, where Primorje will face Bravo. At 5:30 PM, the Styrian derby will begin at the Ljudski vrt, where Maribor will host Celje, and in the evening at 8:15 PM, there will be another derby featuring old rivals Olimpija and Koper.
The Styrian derby in the temple of Maribor football is of great importance to both clubs. Maribor is battling with Olimpija for the top spot in the standings, while Celje finds itself in a precarious position after losing to Bravo, where another failure could significantly increase their gap from the top. The violet coach Ante Šimundža is, of course, focused on deepening Celje’s troubles, who have just endured a disappointing seven days with two losses—one in the league against Bravo and one in Europe against Vitoria.
Maribor and Celje will also play their second Styrian derby in less than a month; the previous one in September was won by the Counts at home with a score of 2:1. “We have already discussed a lot regarding the previous match in Celje; it was very specific. Despite the issues in the defense phase that I was not satisfied with, Celje was most dangerous primarily from set pieces, not from open play. They scored from one opportunity, but what matters are the three points. We can find some parallels from the first half in Celje; we focus a lot on the second half, but in any case, it’s most important to impose our rhythm, style of play, and dynamics on the guests and try to put them in situations where they don’t feel comfortable,” said Ante Šimundža before the “return match” in the Styrian capital for the club’s website.
Ante Šimundža: “Maribor will be ready for Celje, but…”
Maribor will enter the derby somewhat weakened, with Hillal Soudani and Benjamin Tetteh still sidelined, and Marko Božić and Andre Sousa also out of the squad, while Maks Barišić has found himself sidelined due to illness.
“Football is a game of mistakes. Whoever makes fewer of them wins. From a tactical perspective, we were not good with both conceded goals. Given the quality of players we have, the guys are aware that they were not in the best position. We need to improve that. We must be at the highest level with complete focus throughout the entire match, both in attack and defense,” continued Ante Šimundža regarding the encounter with Albert Riera’s team, who expects an open, attractive match.
“Celje does not adopt a closed setup; they have always been recognizable for their game, which is also pleasing to spectators. They now have a significant signature or influence from the Spanish style of football. But we are thinking about how the guests will position themselves. We will prepare for them, but primarily we will try to ensure that the good aspects of our game come to the forefront,” added Ante Šimundža before the eleventh round of the Telemach First League, which will be officiated by Rade Obrenović.
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet