Borac’s head coach Mladen Žižović congratulated his players on an excellent performance and victory in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League round of 32 against Olimpija (1:0).
- “It was a scrappy game; we didn’t impose our possession. Olimpija was more aggressive, more determined in duels, and we simply weren’t at our best for the first 30 minutes. I think we regrouped and completely outplayed our opponent in the second half. Despite the missed penalty, we didn’t give up. We showed team spirit, proving that we wouldn’t back down at any moment,” Žižović emphasized.
The City Stadium was fully behind Borac, which faced several setbacks before and during the match. Enver Kulašin had a family bereavement, while the team also lost Srđan Grahovac and Luka Zorić to injuries, with Zorić ruled out for at least 15 days.
- “I want to thank everyone for the phenomenal support we had. I am proud of this group of players who represent Borac, as this is important for football in Bosnia and Herzegovina. What I ask for is a little more respect. Some media outlets focused on Kulašin’s personal situation, and that truly bothers me. If that is the main story, then we have a problem.
- “We rose above everything—the injuries to Zorić and Grahovac—and in the end, we secured the result. We showed what truly matters, as some things are more important than a game. Togetherness brought us this result. There are still 90 minutes left in Ljubljana, and I am sure they will respect us more. We will do our best to resist them and achieve our goal—progressing to the next round,” added Žižović.
The return leg will be played next Thursday in Ljubljana, and the winner of this tie will face either Fiorentina or Rapid Vienna.
Source: RTRS
