Turks in Maribor are strengthening the first team, but will they build at the same time? Acuna Ilicalia’s new training centre is one of its goals
Photo: Žan Pak
“Creating conditions on the field isn’t just about buying a player who used to be at Liverpool, but also investing in infrastructure that remains. That’s sustainability. These players will come and go,” said Matjaž Kek this week after being awarded the City Seal by Maribor’s mayor Saša Arsenovič, a special recognition for the most successful residents of the Styrian capital. His words are quite fitting, as the story from Ljubljana teaches us that he is right. Milan Mandarić may have brought Olimpija some significant reinforcements and two championship titles. But what has he left behind? Realistically, more than just memories…
In Maribor, they are convinced it will be different. Moreover, Acun Ilicali is reportedly not only aiming for success on the field but also for progress in many other areas of the football club’s operations. “My first conversation with them also focused on the development of a new training center, but it is a fact that this cannot be done overnight. You can’t instantly create new pitches. It is a process that takes time. However, the club is thinking in this direction. How and what is not my concern,” said Maribor coach Ante Šimundža at a press conference before the match against Koper.
Stipe Jerič, Maribor’s public relations representative, added to the coach’s statement: “I can only add that this is one of the strategic goals of the club. Along with strategic partners or our Turkish owners. This was highlighted as a strategic goal from the beginning, and we all understand and perceive it that way. There are already ideas on how and where to develop it.” Although Maribor has a top-notch football stadium by Slovenian standards, it is clear that there are issues when it comes to training facilities. Šimundža also spoke about this.
“The problem is training centers. This has been an issue in Slovenian football for a long time, not just now. How to solve it is not my concern. This is a problem for everyone involved in football: clubs, municipalities, maintenance… We know what a training center needs. When you create the conditions for a good training process, the transition from training to matches is much easier and better. Why do clubs go to Turkey for preseason? For the food and hotels? No, it’s for the pitches! The primary requirement is good pitches, which allow for a good training process,” emphasized 52-year-old Ante Šimundža.
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet
News
#acunilicali
#antešimundža
1. SNL
Maribor
Share