Šafarić on Varaždin's match in Europe: Two equal teams are meeting, we have to be focused

Nikola Šafarić, coach and sporting director of NK Varazdin, has expressed cautious optimism ahead of their upcoming Europa Conference League match against Jablonec. The Croatian club faces its first group stage encounter in European competition, with the Czech side representing a formidable challenge. Šafarić emphasized the parity between the two teams and warned that mistakes could prove decisive in the contest. The match marks the opening fixture of the group phase for Varazdin, which will face off against Jablonec in what promises to be a tightly contested battle. Šafarić highlighted the quality of the opposition, noting that Jablonec had not reached this stage by chance. He described the game as highly demanding and underscored the need for his team to maintain focus and rhythm to advance further in the tournament. In comments to local media, Šafarić noted that while Santa Clara might have been a more familiar name to some fans, Jablonec was a stronger opponent in several respects. He stressed that each victory would be welcome and that the primary objective was to avoid conceding goals during the match. Šafarić also addressed questions regarding the atmosphere at the stadium, stating he anticipated a crowd of between 4,000 and 5,000 spectators. Regarding team composition, he confirmed that due to injuries, certain players would be absent, including midfielder Matej Sikosek. Additionally, captain Oliver Zelenic would not feature in the starting lineup. Šafarić reiterated previous statements about Zelenic's situation, explaining that the circumstances surrounding the goalkeeper were not new and that all players were aware of the current status. He maintained transparency about the decision, indicating that the team remained honest with its players about the challenges they faced. Roberto Punčec, who will take on the role of team captain for this match, expressed excitement about the European challenge. He acknowledged the strength of Jablonec, particularly their preference for possession-based play, and stated that the team was prepared to deliver a solid performance with the support of their fans. The match against Jablonec represents a crucial test for Varazdin as they enter European competition. With both teams considered evenly matched, the outcome will likely hinge on small margins and moments of individual brilliance. Šafarić’s emphasis on focus and avoiding errors underscores the high stakes of the encounter, as the Croatian club seeks to make its mark on the continental stage. The team's preparations and tactical approach will be scrutinized closely, with the result potentially shaping their campaign in the Europa Conference League.