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Salzburg goalkeeper Cican Stankovic before the play-off second leg against Maccabi Tel Aviv on the possibility of the Champions League group stage, his role in the team and the situation in the national team.
5.30 am, September 30, 2020
Before the second leg against Maccabi Tel Aviv, how do you assess Salzburg’s chances of reaching the group stage?
Cican Stankovic: The starting position is very good thanks to the victory in Tel Aviv. We just have to seize this opportunity now.
The first leg was won 2-1, but there were also problems. What was the biggest difficulty?
The heat was certainly a problem, as was the humidity, and of course that makes it difficult. We don’t play in such conditions every day, it made it easier for our opponents. But the most important thing is that we keep playing our game and we win.
In what ways could Maccabi remain dangerous?
It is a very intelligent team, they are very well organized. They are Israeli champions and not in vain did they get so far in the Champions League standings. We have to play very hard because I think they don’t like it very much and of course the conditions in Salzburg will be more favorable for us. We can play our game for more than 90 minutes.
How do you compare the strength of Salzburg with the team from the previous year? Do you think the team will be as good as last fall even without Haaland or Minamino?
I would rate us even better. We have been together for over a year. We are 100 percent clear about what the coach is asking of us, so we have improved even more.
Does that suggest that the team is also in excellent shape in terms of mood?
Well we’ve won every competitive game so far, we’ve been undefeated since Corona’s break and if you don’t lose, the atmosphere has to be good.
How do you see your role within the team? Do you see yourself in a managerial position at this point?
I have been on the team council since this year and I think I have already achieved a certain reputation for myself. Of course, I am very happy to be able to play regularly and regularly, there is also a certain routine. So the state arises over time.
And the praise from coach Jesse Marsch, like the last time after the Ried game, probably work as an additional injection?
You always like to hear that. Especially when you stand out on this team with so many great players, that says a lot.
That hasn’t been reflected on the national team recently. Alexander Schlager took precedence over you at the door. How do you deal with this situation?
I think I have shown that this does not bother me. I have performed well in the last few games and I want to keep it that way. I will attack again fully in the selection. I came back after my injury, I played the previous games, but now I have not played. Sure you were disappointed and upset, but life goes on. I am not someone who plays offended liver sausage and gives up in such a situation. As long as I believe I can do it, I will follow. And I’ll do it.
Has the team leader communicated his decision in advance?
Before the first game, we found out just before the last game. He told us that Alex was playing.
Corona has been with us for half a year. How do you deal with this problem?
We just have to make the most of it. I hope we can get the virus under control as soon as possible so that the fans can get back to the stadiums. We really miss this emotionality. It would be very sad if we made it to the group stage and there were no spectators.
