Borac Banja Luka will host Finnish side KuPS on Thursday in the second round of the UEFA Conference League league phase. Ahead of the encounter, HJK Helsinki goalkeeper Matej Marković believes the home crowd and familiar playing conditions could give Borac a crucial advantage, although he warns that Finnish clubs should never be underestimated.
The Finnish opponents may be relatively unfamiliar to football supporters in the region, but Marković knows their strengths well.
The Zagreb-born goalkeeper, who has spent almost a year playing in Finland, previously represented Čelik Zenica and Krupa, where he played during the 2018/19 season.
Although Krupa were relegated from the BiH Premier League that year, Marković retains particularly fond memories of both the club and Banja Luka.
Speaking to Glas Srpske, he discussed KuPS, Finnish football, his future at HJK Helsinki and his experiences in Republika Srpska.
Borac must capitalize on home advantage
“I think Borac have the quality to get through this challenge. Of course, playing in Banja Luka, in front of their own supporters, means a great deal. It is much better than playing in Finland on artificial turf and in different weather conditions. That is a major advantage,” Marković said.
“If the match were being played there, it would be much more difficult. Remember Sarajevo and Inter Turku. I watched that match and warned beforehand that Finnish teams must not be underestimated.”
According to Marković, Finnish clubs benefit from well-established systems, strong infrastructure and professional training environments.
“They bring in quality players, train well and have excellent infrastructure. Borac must take advantage of playing at home, but they must not underestimate their opponents.”
“If they approach the match seriously, remain patient and prevent KuPS from imposing their rhythm, I believe they can win. It will not be easy, but the Red and Blues have the quality to achieve their objective.”
Marković added that KuPS have gained valuable European experience over recent seasons.
“KuPS have been playing in Europe for several years. They have continuity and a squad whose players know each other well. They may not be as dominant domestically this season as in previous years because they are competing on two fronts, but they certainly have quality.”
KuPS strengths: Pennanen controls the game, Moreno poses a goal threat
Glas Srpske: What are KuPS’s greatest strengths, and what should Borac pay particular attention to?
Marković: They have a goalkeeper who is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and frequently participates in building attacks.
He can come a long way off his line, sometimes 20 or 30 meters, practically playing as a sweeper. Their build-up play starts with him.
They try to construct attacks through passing, move the ball out from the back and create opportunities in the final third.
They are not a team without ideas. Their style may not be spectacular, but they know what they are doing and how to finish an attacking move.
Up front, they have José Moreno, who is a difficult opponent and knows how to score goals.
They also have experienced midfielder and captain Petteri Pennanen, who dictates their rhythm.
There are several fast wingers who can cause problems when given space. They run tirelessly up and down the pitch.
In my opinion, KuPS are most dangerous during the opening 10 to 15 minutes, whether they are playing at home or away. They immediately try to impose their tempo and catch their opponents unprepared.
Marković plans to watch Borac’s European encounter
Glas Srpske: Will you be watching the match between Borac and KuPS?
Marković: Absolutely. It will be interesting to see how both teams approach the match and how Finnish football compares with football in BiH.
People back home sometimes assume in advance that certain opponents will be easy, and that can be a major mistake.
Finnish football is serious. The clubs have established systems and experience competing in Europe.
Borac have their own strengths, particularly at home, and I believe they can achieve a good result. The important thing is to approach the match with maximum seriousness.
Life in Finland: Professional football, but a different mentality
Glas Srpske: How would you describe your almost one year in Finland?
Marković: It is completely different from what we are used to back home.
The people, mentality and attitude toward football are different. There is not as much tension and nervousness surrounding matches.
Back home, if you lose one game, everyone looks at you differently for the next seven days. There is tension within the club, and everybody is dissatisfied.
In Finland, you lose a match, come to training the next day, everyone is smiling and you move on.
Of course, you analyze what could have been done better, but there is no such atmosphere.
On the other hand, people are much more reserved. There is less socializing and spontaneity than we are accustomed to.
Back home, you sit down for coffee and spend several hours talking and enjoying each other’s company. In Finland, everything is quite different.
We are simply used to another way of life.
Marković unlikely to remain at HJK Helsinki next season
Glas Srpske: Your contract with HJK Helsinki is approaching its end. Will you remain in Finland next season?
Marković: I do not see myself staying there next year.
The club is satisfied with my performances and has offered me a new contract, but my plan from the beginning was to spend one year there and then move on.
At the time, I did not have many options, so I accepted the offer from Finland.
I wanted to play regularly, maintain continuity and make a good decision for my career.
However, I have spent a year there without my wife and children, and I simply do not want to stay any longer.
The club is excellently organized, the conditions are fantastic and I have absolutely no complaints about their professionalism.
Nevertheless, we have not reached an agreement on a new contract, and that is where things stand.
Glas Srpske: You were the first-choice goalkeeper throughout the season but lost your place in the team toward the end. What happened?
Marković: I played in the league, the cup and European matches, practically throughout the entire season.
When I decided not to extend my contract, I was no longer included in the plans for matches during the final few weeks.
These things happen in football.
The club wants me to stay, but I have different plans, and we will go our separate ways.
I do not feel the need to turn it into a major issue.
HJK are the biggest club in Finland. They are well organized and professional.
But at my age, now that I am 30, it is also important where I live, where my family will be and how I feel away from the pitch.
Fond memories of Krupa and Banja Luka
Glas Srpske: You played for Krupa during the 2018/19 season. What memories do you have of that period and of Banja Luka?
Marković: I had a wonderful experience at Krupa.
I arrived from Čelik, and the people at the club were very supportive. They gave me an opportunity to play, which meant a great deal to me.
Although we were eventually relegated, we had a good team, and I believe we could have stayed in the top division.
Unfortunately, certain circumstances went against us, and we did not succeed.
Banja Luka has remained a particularly beautiful memory for me.
When my wife and I talk today about the cities where we have lived, and we have moved quite a lot over the past ten years, Banja Luka is definitely among the most beautiful.
It is a pleasant city, a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
At that time, we did not have children yet. It was just the two of us, and we truly enjoyed our time there.
I have many wonderful memories, acquaintances and friendships that continue to this day.
Friendship with Siniša Mrkobrada keeps him connected to Borac
Glas Srpske: Do you still follow football in BiH?
Marković: I have been away from football in BiH for almost ten years, so I do not follow it as closely as before, but I still enjoy watching matches.
I follow Sarajevo, Zrinjski, Borac and Čelik, where I previously played.
I know quite a few people at Borac and have friends there, so I follow the club partly because of them.
Siniša Mrkobrada, for example. We worked together at Krupa and became very good friends. We speak frequently.
When you have people you have worked with, it is always interesting to see how they are doing.
I also watched the matches against Levski, for example, because I played for that club as well.
Source: Glas Srpske
