The Slovenian national team has continued preparations at the Brdo National Football Center, ahead of Saturday’s match against Kosovo, which will take place at the “Stozice” stadium in Ljubljana.
Defender Vanja Drkusic, who plays in the Russian championship with Zenit, has stated that the atmosphere in the Slovenian national team is very positive and that the team is focused on winning the maximum six points in the next two matches.
“The preparations are no different from the previous times. We know what we have to do – win six points. The atmosphere is great, we are all motivated and we can’t wait for the upcoming matches,” said Drkusic.
He stressed that strong defense will be the key to success, just like in the European Championship, while admitting that the absence of Benjamin Sesko, the Manchester United striker, is a big loss for the team.
“Everything starts with good defense. That’s how we achieved the results in the European Championship. We have to believe in what we are doing and the goals will come. The absence of Benjamin is a big handicap, but that’s part of football – we will have to do without him. We will play for him too,” the 26-year-old added.
Drkusic remembers well the first match in Pristina, which ended 0-0, and believes that this time at home Slovenia will seek victory at all costs.
“In Kosovo we played well and, in my opinion, we deserved the victory. This time we play in front of our fans and we have to be focused. Kosovo has good players and will come motivated, but we are also ready for the challenge,” he concluded.
So far, Slovenia and Kosovo have faced each other three times, with the balance going to two wins for the Slovenians and one draw. /Telegraph/