Drita aims for victory over Celja at "Fadil Vokrri"

Victory over Celja of Slovenia is only possible by playing as a united group. This was stated by Drita coach Zekirija Ramadani on Wednesday at a press conference before the playoff match of the knockout stage of the Conference League.

The first match between Drita and Celje takes place on Thursday at 21:00 at the "Fadil Vokrri" stadium in Pristina.

"The light must not come out of its own identity. We always have in front of us the motivation and objective that we have as a team. Always when we have functioned in a collective aspect, we have been successful. We have not relied on the individuality of anyone, but on the collective. After the match with Drenica, which is only three days away, we spoke with the players, we did an analysis, I told you that if we rely on the group, we will make things difficult for the opponent. We must rely on each other on the field. We must give our maximum. We are here where many teams dream of being. Even if we lose, we must lose with our heads held high, we must not come out as cowards", said Ramadani. 

The Skopje coach says that Celje is a strong team, but advancing further is not impossible. 

"As far as we know and can, we have taken measures, we have prepared physically, psychologically and tactically. As a footballer, I have been in the preparatory phase in Slovenia for 5-6 years. The Slovenians are cold. I have seen the last five matches, two were with the former coach and three with the current coach. There is no change. The same style of play is played. We have tried to highlight some strong and weak points. We will defend ourselves with the entire Celje team. We have tried to prepare the team and it will be difficult, but by no means impossible to qualify. We must use the home field. I hope to have fans and use the field as the host. I hope we go with a lead, even if minimal. Mesa, Manaj and Broja are missing. But I have confidence in the others and I believe that the absence will not be noticeable", declared Ramadani.

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Drita finished the league stage in the Conference League in 20th place with seven points.

Coach Ramadani has responded to Milot Avdyl for the statement he made after the draw for the knockout phase playoff was made. 

Avdyli of Celje had said that there are some unresolved issues with Drita, referring to the losses he suffered while he was a Trepça '89 footballer.

"I know Miloti as a footballer, I don't know how much he knows me. I never motivate my team or footballer for revenge, there is no revenge in football. Why did he lose twice, they are also the third and fourth, nothing happens, it's not the end of the world, football continues. If he beats us, I wish him victory. He just has to dedicate himself to his career. That footballer has a lot of quality. I hope he continues the negative performance he has against Drita", said Ramadani.

Even defender Raddy Ovouka called Celje strong.

Ovouka is one of the key players on the reigning Kosovo champions. He said he is happy to have full confidence in coach Zekirija Ramadani. 

"We will play against a great team. We have prepared maximally for tomorrow's game. We are ready for that game. It was very important for everyone to play in the Conference League. We prepare for the game, we have worked hard and that is why we are here today. I will give my best. I am happy that the coach has faith in me and I will give my best. We are all ready for tomorrow's game", declared Ovouka.

Drita is in third place with 35 points in the Kosovo Super League. It is one point less than Balkan and Prishtina who hold first and second place.

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Meanwhile, Celje is leading the Slovenian top flight with 50 points, followed by Maribor and Koper with 38 points each.