Lalatović doesn't want to "fight" with the Moldovans: The ball is on the ground, we are technically better

From the special reporter "Vijesti"

It's only the end of July, and the Buducnost players are already facing the most important game of the season, a match that could open the door for the Montenegrin champions to the play-offs for the Conference League. Last season, only Dečić knocked on that door, and no Montenegrin team managed to get through.

Can Nenad Lalatović's Future do it?

There are two obstacles, the main one is tonight (19 p.m.) in Orehiu, Moldova, about 60 kilometers from the capital Chisinau. The rival is the Moldovan champion, Milsami, who were eliminated by Finnish KuPS at the start of the Champions League qualifiers, which is why they continued the season in UEFA's youngest club competition.

After Podgorica's 0:0 draw last Wednesday, the decisive match follows - a duel that can bring a lot to Buducnost and the entire footballing Montenegro. Because the rival in the next phase is Virtus from San Marino, a team that, at least on paper, is weaker than both Milsami and Buducnost.

Because of all this, the "blues" are aware of the opportunity that has presented itself to them. There is no lack of motivation, a good atmosphere in the team and faith in advancing to the next stage were noticeable during yesterday's flight to Moldova.

- When you are a player, coach and fan of Buducnost, expectations are always high. We will do our best to advance to the third round. That is the wish of all of us - the whole of Podgorica. I believe we can do it. The chances are 50:50. I think we were the better opponent in Podgorica, we had two or three hundred percent chances, especially in the second half. We had to go into the second leg at least with a goal advantage. We didn't succeed in that, but optimism remains - said Buducnost coach Nenad Lalatović in the match announcement.

Lalatović points out that the "blues" should play with as few touches as possible with the ball, because they are technically the better team.

- Milsami is a strong team, we should avoid duels, we have worked in recent days on playing fast, with two touches, playing without the ball and entering space. We want to force them to race with us, not enter duels, because they are stronger there, and we are technically better. The team that has more luck, that wants more, and they cannot want more than us, will advance to the third round - said Lalatović.

Buducnost has a great chance, a possible placement in the third round would open the way for the Montenegrin champion to the playoffs.

- It would be fantastic for Montenegrin football if we advanced to the third round, and I'm thinking about the fourth round, and why not even entering the group. I only slept for two or three hours before the trip to Moldova, because I'm thinking so much about how many great things can happen for Buducnost and Montenegrin football. That's why I can't sleep because of the excitement.

Lalatović believes in the team, he believes in the next phase.

- I am sure that the players will be brave and comply with the requirements because this is a unique opportunity to advance to the third round of qualifications, and if we succeed in that, we have a great chance to enter the group stage. But first we have to finish the job in Moldova, we are not outsiders and the chances are equal.

The future will be stronger for Ivan Bulatović, whose suspension due to a yellow card has expired, while Lazar Savović, who was suspended by the club due to statements made last week, when he pointed out that he was not satisfied with his playing time, did not travel with the team.

- Bulatović is back, he will compete for the match. I have him in the main team for the first and second half. I was thinking about what to do in all possible outcome scenarios. I'm thinking about that now, not when the game starts. If you think about that when the game starts, then you can't make a decision quickly and then you will be late with your decision. I'm thinking about Buducnost, football and qualifying for the third round. I'm sure that all the players will give their maximum so that our Buducnost can advance to the third round - said Lalatović.

The coach of Buducnost finally reiterates that he doesn't want a "fight", but a game with little contact.

- Milsami has a quality team, they have seven or eight physically strong players. I told the boys that we don't need to 'fight' with them, but that we need to play with little contact, change positions, not allow them to enter into duels with us. If we put that into practice, if we are fast, aggressive and use the space behind their defense, I think we can achieve a favorable result - concluded Nenad Lalatović.

The match on the field of the “Distrikt” Sports Complex starts at 20 pm local time, an hour earlier our time, and the referee is Swiss Alesandro Dudić.