We will make a return to action on Friday, 29th May after a long layoff due to Covid-19 lockdown. Since the decision to cancel the play-off phase of the 2019/20 Superliga campaign, we are left with four matchdays left to play. A win in one of those four matchdays will mathematically secure the title for the red and whites.
Head Coach Dejan Stanković spoke ahead of first of those four matches, the short trip to FK Rad. It's been a long wait and the Champions are raring to go. Stanković said that he was optimistic as the team looks to finish the season in style despite the difficult times everyone has endured in the past months.
“We have spent the past two weeks preparing for the Rad game. We know it’s a big chance for us to claim the title with three games left. It’s up to us to handle the pressure and be patient. It’s the only way to really make our quality show.”
Boss has spoken about the team’s fitness levels.
“We are fit enough. It’s not ideal because it’s been a while since our previous competitive match and players need those to really be in top condition. I’m sure we’ll be fine when we kick off. The staff has done everything to ensure the players were keeping as fit as possible during the lockdown. It’s something you don’t expect to do during a football season, but I feel we have done well. You could tell by our training session that the players were keeping busy while staying at home.”
Speaking about the chances to win the title, Stanković credited the players, his predecessor Vladan Milojević and the fans for the fact we’re now close to retaining the league.
“I’ve arrived to the club that was already 11 points clear at the top of the league. Vladan Milojević and the players have been fantastic earlier in the season to get to that position. I would accept my share of plaudits, but you simply have to acknowledge everything that’s been done before I became Head Coach here.”
The match tomorrow will be played with no fans in the stands, which is never pleasant, but Dejan Stanković hopes the supporters will be allowed back soon.
“I can’t wait for the fans to return because it makes football better and because it would mean that we’ve beaten the coronavirus. But in the meantime, we will make sure everyone is safe. The health is the most important thing.”