Mirko Vučinić told Montenegro to stay grounded and get used to good results before slovakia vs montenegro in Košice. The match at Košická futbalová aréna is scheduled for 18:30, and both sides arrive after missing out on the World Cup.
Vučinić and Košice
“As always, I ask the guys to perform as well as possible on the field, regardless of the fact that the stadium will be full. We should get used to it and start getting used to good results. It’s simple – we’ve learned that we’re praised when we win, and that we’re slandered when we lose. The most important thing is to stay grounded, because I repeat, even if we win this game tomorrow, the most important thing is to stay grounded and roll up our sleeves and work.” Vučinić said the message before the trip was about standards, not celebration.
Montenegro is coming off a win over Bulgaria, and Andrija Bulatović described Slovakia as “a slightly better team than Bulgaria.” He added that Montenegro is entering the match with “maximum focus and dedication” and wants to go into the break with a win before welcoming the Nations League.
Pekarik’s final match
Peter Pekarik will lead Slovakia for the last time against Montenegro, then say goodbye to the national team right after the match. That gives the game a sharper edge for Slovakia, which also beat Malta 2:1 in extra time in its first June match.
There is a wider contrast in form around the fixture. Slovakia failed to reach the World Cup and was eliminated in the play-off semi-finals by Kosovo, while Vladimir Weiss’ team recently demolished Germany in the World Cup qualifiers.
Montenegro’s test
For Montenegro, the immediate task is simple: carry the Bulgaria result into a tougher away match and keep the level Vučinić wants. For Slovakia, the night doubles as a competitive fixture and a send-off for Pekarik, with the full stadium in Košice adding to the pressure on both sides.