Metalurg against Lovcen, but minds already on Vardar
Ќе играат со Ловќен, а ќе мислат на Вардар
There is no time for crying in Metalurg. Just a few days after losing in the city derby from Vardar in EHF's Champions League, Macedonian vice champion is fully committed to game that needs to bring back confidence and improve performance.
On Tuesday in Skopje (17:45, Boris Trajkovski hall) Metalurg will face Lovcen in SEHA GSS League. Team from Skopje will once again give chance to those who play less, and some players will rest. Main goal is to be better prepared for the second leg on Sunday in EHF Champions League, again against Vardar.
Lino Cervar, Metalurg's coach:
- Match versus Lovcen is a good test for us and will help in our preparation for the second match against Vardar on Sunday. Lovcen has signed several new players for this season, and after poor start in SEHA League they were showing good performances against Zagreb and Nexe. It surely won't be easy to win points on Tuesday.
No matter of this statement of Cervar is certain that Metalurg will push hard from the start of the game. They would surely like to show they are strong and that they are over what has happened, ready for new matches.
Among Cervar's dilemmas about the line up is if Renato Vugrinec can play as he complains for back pain. Aco Jonoski is also injured (elbow) and at least 2-3 players will get time for rest and refreshment.
- No time to cry. Now we'll play with those who haven't played so much by now. But we have to prove everyone and ourselves that we're strong no matter who plays.
Metalurg is currently fourth on the table with 14 points (7 games), five less than Vardar - 19 (two games more played). Lovcen gained only 7 points from nine matches, with 36-19 defeat against Vardar from last visit to Skopje.