Red Star Belgrade squad is preparing for Saturday’s 157th Večiti derbi. Third and final derby match of the season will be played at Rajko Mitić Stadium in the first matchday of Superliga Play-off stage. Zvezda lad Filip Stojković knows the upcoming game is huge for everyone.
“We’re in a positive mood, we are working hard and we want to be at 100 percent when the match kicks off. We are preparing our game plan. If we do that properly, we wouldn’t have to think about the opponents too much.”
After a injury-ridden month, the red-and-whites are finally fit and available.
“Thankfully, the injury woes are behind is and Head Coach Vladan Milojević will have the entire squad at his disposal in time for the match. It’s one of those matches you desperately wish to be fit for. We will need everyone pulling in the same direction and contributing to the cause.”
Going into the Derbi, Crvena zvezda are six points clear at the top of the table with Partizan in second.
“We don’t want the standings to play a part. It’s a game you want to win regardless of the points tally and league position. Partizan may see this as a must-win game if they are to stay in the title race, but that doesn’t mean that we aren’t looking to grab the points. It should be an exciting fixture and we’ll do our best to beat our rivals.”
Saturday should see Stojković appear in his third senior Večiti derbi.
“Both of my previous derbies ended in draws when we’d perhaps done enough to win at least one of those. Hopefully this time will be lucky for us and we’ll make a big step towards the title. It’s been a fine season so far and it’s up to us to finish strong.”