"AZ is a very strong opponent," said Ludogorets coach Igor Jovicevic. "They have extremely good players as a characteristic. Their strong trait is speed and vertical play forward. We have analyzed them, we have a plan for the match. The style is similar to Athletic Bilbao. They have fantastic wings. It will be a difficult match. The three points will be very important. There are some differences in the game at home or away. They don't let you breathe, they press you high. When you try to pass the goalkeeper, they will try to win every centimeter of the pitch. A very good team," added the Croatian.

"We continue to improve as a team. In Bulgaria we score quite a few goals. This is part of the process and we continue to improve in forward positions. Everyone knows the importance of the match. Everyone is motivated to the maximum. This is a huge opportunity to potentially win 3 points," added the coach of the Eagles.

He also cited a study that made it clear that Ludogorets will finish third in Europe in terms of games played since the summer. “A win would be a goal for every team. If we want to qualify for a higher level, we will have to win the game. We are in very good shape, they are also in very good shape. They had a period of 7 games in which they failed to achieve a win, but I hope we can succeed. We will do analyses when we finish. Now the focus is on the game against AZ Alkmaar,” said Jovicevic.

“I think that we should give our maximum every day – training and games. It is like a law. To develop individually and as a group. Small details were lacking in Europe. For each member of the team to give their maximum is the least we can do. We had very tough games in Europe. Our opponents are leaders in this new format of the Europa League. Now we are also trying to change our identity. We are trying to bring in a positive mood. We are trying to play more vertically. Passing through the third man too. We are trying," the champions' coach also said.

"We have match number 33 since the beginning of the season ahead. We are in the Top 3 in terms of matches, with only TNS and FCSB ahead of us, and Slovan Bratislava as many as us," concluded Jovicevic.

"Caio Vidal is not available for the team, he suffered a strain in the last match. Today we will see how the other players are in training, but we hope they are in a good mood," said also Jovicevic.

"Sergio Padt will keep in tomorrow's match, but not because he is from the Netherlands, but because he is one of the best goalkeepers," finished Jovicevic.

Ludogorets Dutch goalkeeper Sergio Padt has played with two AZ Alkmaar players. They are Jordi Klasi, with whom he was teammates in the Netherlands U-19 national team, as well as another experienced player – Bruno Martins Indy.

“It’s quite nice to meet compatriots. I have played against many of these players before. However, I want to show how much we have improved,” Padt said. “AZ Alkmaar is a team with great spirit, with a very good academy and a very well-established structure in the school. With our qualities, if we add high intensity, we have a chance to win. Our goal is always to keep a clean sheet. And now we will work together as a team both in defense and attack,” Padt concluded.

The official press conference of Ludogorets before match #6 of the main phase of the Europa League against AZ Alkmaar will be held on Wednesday at 1:30 pm at the Huvepharma Arena stadium. The briefing will be attended by head coach Igor Jovicevic and Aslack Von Witry. The official training session of the champions tomorrow starts at 6:30 pm at the club's base and will be open to media representatives for the first 15 minutes.

The press conference of AZ Alkmaar will start at 7:30 pm at the Huvepharma Arena stadium, and the official training session of the Dutch team - half an hour later at the same place.