Kdo bo na večnem derbiju zamenjal Ažbeta Juga? Darko Milanič odgovarja ...

Maribor manager Darko Milaniç has yet to decide which goalkeeper will start Saturday’s Eternal Derby against Ljubljana’s Olimpija, following the red card suspension of captain Azbe Jug. The squad leader received a straight red during Tuesday’s away match at Koper, resulting in a four-nil defeat for the visitors. This loss marked Maribor’s first league defeat of the season. With the high-profile fixture scheduled for 4 p.m., the coaching staff faces a critical tactical decision regarding who will stand between the posts. Jug struck Isaac Matondo during the Koper game, an action officials deemed worthy of immediate dismissal. The incident allowed Josip Ilicic to score from the penalty spot, putting the coastal side ahead early. The goal opened the door for Koper to secure a comfortable victory. After the match, Jug apologized to his manager and acknowledged the severity of his error. Milanic stated that the player understands the situation and knows he must now support the team from the sidelines with extra intensity. The primary candidates to replace the veteran keeper are eighteen-year-old Taney Handanovic, who started in Koper, and summer signing Ivan Lainovic. Teva Gardies is also available in the squad. Milanic emphasized that time remains before the final call. He noted that whichever player steps in will lack extensive top-flight experience. Therefore, the entire defense must provide protection and security, allowing the goalkeeper to perform confidently. The manager framed the absence as an opportunity for another player to demonstrate their quality under pressure. Defender Zan Karnicnik agreed that the team must adapt mentally and tactically. He highlighted the need for senior players to support the younger goalkeeper, potentially taking fewer risks in certain situations. Karnicnik expressed gratitude for fan support after the Koper setback and pledged to repay it with a strong performance in Ljubljana. He admitted the team made too many technical errors and lacked composure against Koper, issues they intend to rectify. Milanic reviewed the Koper match internally, noting a solid first half but a disappointing second-half reaction. He described the team as having given up after the red card. Although he attempted tactical adjustments to attack, his players conceded too much space, leading to the heavy defeat. The club held a joint meeting with players and staff to move past the result and focus entirely on the upcoming derby. The psychological preparation is considered vital for this encounter. Karnicnik believes every player in the Maribor roster possesses sufficient quality to step in for one another. He expects a combative display where the team maintains concentration throughout the ninety minutes. While Jug’s absence creates additional pressure on the defensive line, the squad aims to show character and return to the form displayed earlier in the campaign. The management insists that the current lineup can handle the challenge despite the missing captain. Training sessions today and tomorrow will focus on rest and mental readiness. Milanic requires maximum alertness from his players and prepares for various scenarios on the pitch. The objective is to play at a high level and secure a win against their historic rivals. The club views a victory as a key indicator of the team's resilience following their first league loss. All eyes will turn to the starting lineup announcement to see how the coach addresses the goalkeeper vacancy.