Utrecht is a difficult rival

For the Dutch team the clash with Lech Poznan will be the 3rd match of the season. The Dutch league doesn’t start until mid-August. “FC Utrecht played only two official matches this season so far, both against Valetta. Therefore, we can say that our opponent is stronger when playing at home, than away. The Dutch team knows well how to play good football,” said Lech’s coach.

Utrecht were ranked 4th in Eredivisie last season. The Dutch team won a place in the Europa League qualifications in the play-offs, after beating SC Heerenveen and AZ Alkmaar. “The strengths of our rival? Utrecht is the 4^th team of Eredivisie, just behind Feyenoord, Ajax and PSV. Eredivisie is a brilliant league, better than the Polish one. Utrecht are the favourites in this clash, but we all know that the favourites don’t always win,” added Bjelica.

Shortly before Lech faced Wisla Plock in the league, Darko Jevtic was injured and he’s expected to be absent for 8 weeks. Nonetheless, the coach emphasises that there are numerous players capable of replacing the Switzerland. “We have to accept the fact that Jevtic won’t play for 2 months. However, we have footballers who can take over his role, e.g. Majewski and Radut,” explained the coach.

The first match of the III Europa League qualification round is scheduled for 7 pm, Thursday, 27th July on Galgenwaard Stadium. 3 days later Lech will play in the league against Piast Gliwice before facing the Dutch team again on Thursday.

“Every match we play to win. Tomorrow is no different. We know the win won’t come easy because Utrecht is a difficult rival, but we are capable of winning. We don’t concentrate on the league yet – all that matters is the upcoming match only. After we play with Utrecht, we will focus on Piast Gliwice and afterwards on the second leg against the Dutchmen. Our aim is to play better than we did in Plock and Haugesund,” summarized Lech’s coach.