Jovicevich: CSKA 1948 plays like Atalanta

CSKA 1948 plays direct football, man for man all over the field and in this way reminds Atalanta. There are not many teams in Bulgaria that practice such football, is the opinion of the head coach of Ludogorets (Rz) Igor Jovicevich, quoted by BTA.

The champions, who last year lost the final of the Bulgarian Cup to Botev (Plovdiv), today won 3:2 in Bistritsa and go to the quarterfinals. The Croatian specialist admitted that the match was difficult, but also expressed his satisfaction with the players who came on in the last 30 minutes, who changed the players in the match.

"Yes, it was a difficult match, we knew that and expected it. We were prepared that we would have to suffer if we wanted to win. Once again we showed that we have serious strength. We waited 90-95, but in the end we won. Their style is man for man all over the field, they are like Atalanta. You have to find space between the lines, first second ball, second ball to take them", Jovicević began. "We knew that it was impossible for them to press us for 90 minutes, but in 60 they really worried us. At one point we had a drop in intensity, but then we managed to get a second ball and we had the upper hand again. But not only patience, everything was important".

"You have to fight with emotions when you are behind twice. But that also means character, that you want to win. And before the third goal we had 4-5 situations, but we didn't score them. The most important thing is that we are moving forward, that we are qualifying and we have no injuries. Yes, some important people came in fresh for 30 minutes and helped. And we have a few days to prepare for the next match".

We showed respect for the opponent, we fought like warriors, we fought, we suffered, we ran, we scored three goals. It could have been more. Our opponents play vertically and are very good at it. We don't often play with teams that have people everywhere on the pitch. Torino, Verona, Atalanta are like that. But CSKA 1948 are such an example in Bulgaria.

On Wednesday, the draw was made for the Bulgarian Cup tournament for the quarterfinals, which should be held at the end of February 2025, as scheduled. Asked which opponent he would choose, after the top 8 teams in the championship also remained, he replied: "Opponent, I don't know? The important thing is to move forward. The cup is just as important as the championship. I don't want to lose, I don't like losing. And the team understood that from the first day we worked together. Every game has to be played like the last game. You can lose, but when you are in control - fight, believe and play. When you don't have the ball, fight to get it," Jovic explained his philosophy.