Winter break is well and truly behind us, as Superliga resumes this weekend.
Red Star Belgrade is currently top of the table, but our Head Coach Vladan Milojević knows the job is far from done. He spoke to the press ahead of tomorrow's meeting with FK Javor at Rajko Mitić Stadium.
“We'd like to pick up where we left off in December. We've got eight games to play in regular season before the points are halved and play-off begins. We are ready.”
Meetings with Javor are always a bit special for Milojević, whose first job in senior football was at the club from the town of Ivanjica.
“I'm very fond of Javor. I learned a lot about their football philosophy of nourishing young players and allowing them to express themselves while also playing a highly disciplined brand of football. They have had some fine performances in recent friendlies and there is no doubt they will be up for a battle when they arrive in Belgrade.”
“We have to be focused right from the start and control the play.”
“I hope the fans will come in their numbers to support the team and help the players produce a fine performance.”
Captain Mitchell Donald will be forced to sit this game out through suspension, but everyone else is available for selection.
“There will be changes in the starting eleven because this league fixture is sandwiched between two meetings with CSKA Moskva in the Europa League, but I'm happy because of my players' desire to feature in every match. It's wonderful to see that kind of passion for the team. We need that because I don't want anyone to relax because of the lead we've got at the minute. I want the players to act as if the season is only just beginning. We must be sharp and ready for the challenges that are coming up.”
The main talking point among the fans is the UEFA Europa League campaign and next weeks return leg in Moscow, but Milojević is happy to report that the players' focus is firmly on Saturday.
“We've talked a lot since last summer. These lads have got the right attitude and they know that the only way to succeed is just to be ready for your next game. In this case it's Javor. They are professional and they know it's all about Javor now. Superliga is our priority.”