OSIJEK TO REPEAT MAKSIMIR AND RUJEVICA

Eagerly was the derby at Poljud awaited (18 hours), hoping for at least a single point advantage, but both teams have the same point number since Osijek missed the mark against Cibalija, while Hajduk celebrated in Pula last weekend. Now, from the same starting position, both teams will show who’s better in the 17^th series.

It’s sure by now that both believe in their respective qualities and capabilities, where it’s always important to show respect against a rival. Hajduk sees a new coach, Željko Kopić, as a member of the Adria Giant, as the players are getting used to his shot calls, while Osijek feels consistent with Zekić pulling the reins, with no unknowns at his behest.

Without Cards or Injuries, At Long Last

At last, Osijek’s skipper from the bench sees a nigh-perfect state of his team, except for Šorša, for whom the autumn half-season is over. This means that he will have an opportunity to pick and choose a perfect 11 – those who will be the most reliable ones and who will show the best synergy on the field, those who will neutralize the home team and wreak havoc at their gates. Zekić kept quiet regarding that matter, for revealing one’s tactics always proves to be detrimental, so they’re always kept under the rug. Osijek is most certainly confident to put their prowess to the test against almost every opponent, since they have a technically well-trained squad that gravitates towards player synergy and, at that, one which will use every single one of it’s pros when it comes to counter-attacks.

Sometimes, a Good Offense is the Best Defense!

It’s a given that in these kinds of matches, when opposing pressure is expected, the back line must be focused on performing flawlessly, especially the goalkeeper. This is especially true for free kicks and penalty kicks, also for corner kicks. Hajduk will attempt to have the bigger ball possession and dominance, but it’s vital to reduce their maneuver space and disable them from achieving frequent attacks at the flank positions. Additonally, much of it will depend on the away team’s awareness of dangerous individuals, especially midfielders, who tend to sucker-punch by drilling and floating their crosses and passes to their attackers, as they have a deadly shot at 30-meter distances. Surely Erceg stands out as a deadly force in the 16-meter space and he musn’t be allowed to be alone or be granted a free pass because of his proficient dribbling skills which are unpredictable and hard to counter.

However, Zekić doesn’t want to think about ways of rendering Hajduk’s players ineffective, but he rather wants to see his team perform better during the offense. It isn’t only important to defend, but to do it right – by attacking! If Osijek shows themselves as they did at Maksimir and against Rijeka, surely Hajduk may have a bad time. In any case, we expect a high quality and full-on derby, with a lot of excitement on the tribunes of Poljud.