"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.
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