Wednesday is the time for the 156th eternal derby: Last year at this time in the Stožice for the title of champions, this time merely a battle for second place on the table
Photo: Matic Klanšek Velej / Sportida
Last in Ljubljana, second to last in the 2023/24 season, otherwise already the 156th eternal derby between Olimpija and Maribor. The greatest Slovenian football rivals will begin to measure themselves in the Stožice Stadium at 18:30, but the match does not bring as much competitive tension and excitement as last year’s derby at this time. Back then, Olimpija was playing for the title of champions, which they won, but now a win for Maribor could only complicate the battle for second place. But we all know how much second place means in the national football championship. Especially if you’re Olimpija or Maribor…
Although the battle for the title seems decided, the matches must be played until the end of the season, of course. This one will be delayed; the 156th eternal derby should have already taken place in March, but it was postponed because it was necessary to replace the pitch in the Stožice Stadium. The pitch is now back to a high standard, but at what level will Olimpija and Maribor be? That remains to be seen.
“We expect a very tough match. I hope the playing conditions will be better than yesterday. The weather has completely changed overnight. Nevertheless, I believe we have prepared well and hope to play as we know,” emphasized Olimpija coach Zoran Zeljković, continuing: “It is harder to play against tougher opponents, as they have more quality. It’s true that we had difficulties in the game against teams we should have beaten. We had enough chances to win, but we didn’t capitalize on them. The team’s performance is certainly better now. We always want to dominate. After all, the opponent must also be questioned here. But we will do everything to dictate the rhythm this time.”
The eternal derby is always the eternal derby
Regarding the guests from the Styrian capital, the coach of the Ljubljana team added: “I expect an organized Maribor. Under the leadership of the new coach, they have made great progress. They have quality, but we will focus more on ourselves. I am pleased that we score from different positions. We are dangerous as a team. We are not dependent on individuals. Certain players have made progress and certainly have a lot of potential.”
Meanwhile, in Maribor, they are convinced that they will prove in Ljubljana that they deserve more than just third place in the Prva liga Telemach standings. “Regardless of which position the clubs occupy in the standings before the match and what form they are in, the derby is always the derby. This is the moment when all history is forgotten, and the most important is the derby that follows. It is difficult to highlight a favorite in this duel. The opponents are in the role of hosts and are ahead of us in the standings, but for us, the most important thing is to respond appropriately to the demands of the derby. That’s what I want the most,” says Ante Šimundža.
The coach of the Purple team added regarding Olimpija: “The first ‘danger’ is that they play at home. I believe the stadium will be well-filled, although it is difficult to predict in Ljubljana. Sometimes it is unexpectedly full, sometimes unexpectedly empty. I hope the atmosphere will be good, football-like. Olimpija has its good qualities, both as a team and individually. Perhaps precisely because of their individuality, they seem not to be collective, but they have their ideas, principles. But we also have our quality, and I believe we will respond to the demands of the derby in the right way.”
The 156th eternal derby will, as mentioned, begin at 18:30, and the match referee will be young referee Martin Matoša from Log pri Brezovici.
Last in Ljubljana, second to last in the 2023/24 season, otherwise already the 156th eternal derby between Olimpija and Maribor. The greatest Slovenian football rivals will begin to measure themselves in the Stožice Stadium at 18:30, but the match does not bring as much competitive tension and excitement as last year’s derby at this time. Back then, Olimpija was playing for the title of champions, which they won, but now a win for Maribor could only complicate the battle for second place. But we all know how much second place means in the national football championship. Especially if you’re Olimpija or Maribor…
Although the battle for the title seems decided, the matches must be played until the end of the season, of course. This one will be delayed; the 156th eternal derby should have already taken place in March, but it was postponed because it was necessary to replace the pitch in the Stožice Stadium. The pitch is now back to a high standard, but at what level will Olimpija and Maribor be? That remains to be seen.
“We expect a very tough match. I hope the playing conditions will be better than yesterday. The weather has completely changed overnight. Nevertheless, I believe we have prepared well and hope to play as we know,” emphasized Olimpija coach Zoran Zeljković, continuing: “It is harder to play against tougher opponents, as they have more quality. It’s true that we had difficulties in the game against teams we should have beaten. We had enough chances to win, but we didn’t capitalize on them. The team’s performance is certainly better now. We always want to dominate. After all, the opponent must also be questioned here. But we will do everything to dictate the rhythm this time.”
The eternal derby is always the eternal derby
Regarding the guests from the Styrian capital, the coach of the Ljubljana team added: “I expect an organized Maribor. Under the leadership of the new coach, they have made great progress. They have quality, but we will focus more on ourselves. I am pleased that we score from different positions. We are dangerous as a team. We are not dependent on individuals. Certain players have made progress and certainly have a lot of potential.”
Meanwhile, in Maribor, they are convinced that they will prove in Ljubljana that they deserve more than just third place in the Prva liga Telemach standings. “Regardless of which position the clubs occupy in the standings before the match and what form they are in, the derby is always the derby. This is the moment when all history is forgotten, and the most important is the derby that follows. It is difficult to highlight a favorite in this duel. The opponents are in the role of hosts and are ahead of us in the standings, but for us, the most important thing is to respond appropriately to the demands of the derby. That’s what I want the most,” says Ante Šimundža.
The coach of the Purple team added regarding Olimpija: “The first ‘danger’ is that they play at home. I believe the stadium will be well-filled, although it is difficult to predict in Ljubljana. Sometimes it is unexpectedly full, sometimes unexpectedly empty. I hope the atmosphere will be good, football-like. Olimpija has its good qualities, both as a team and individually. Perhaps precisely because of their individuality, they seem not to be collective, but they have their ideas, principles. But we also have our quality, and I believe we will respond to the demands of the derby in the right way.”
The 156th eternal derby will, as mentioned, begin at 18:30, and the match referee will be young referee Martin Matoša from Log pri Brezovici.
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet
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