Danilo Pešukić: "It could have been different against Žalgiris, we want to stay at the top of Montenegrin football"

After 17 years, Petrovac returned to the European scene - they were unable to pull off a surprise and eliminate Žalgiris Vilnius in the first round of the Conference League qualifiers.

It was 1:3 at Gorica and 2:1 in Lithuania, and fullback Danilo Pešukić particularly highlights Dejan Boljević's chance in the second leg, after which everything could have turned around.

- It is realistic that the overall result should have been a little different. Even in Podgorica it was too high. We had chances in Lithuania, it could have ended in a draw, and we could have completely returned to the doubles, maybe made a big step forward and turned the game around if Boljević had scored - Pešukić began for "Vijesti".

He recalled that just two seasons ago, Žalgiris was in the group stage of the youngest UEFA club competition.

- We played against a quality rival, a team that played in the group stage of the Conference League two seasons ago and is full of quality players, with a lot of foreigners. In some moments and actions, it was clear that we could play against them, that we were competitive.

The third goal that Petrovac conceded at the very end of the first game broke the tie.

- That late goal for 1:3 in Podgorica was somehow decisive. I can't say I'm dissatisfied because we showed a lot of quality. It wasn't enough to get through, but I'm optimistic about next season - emphasized Pešukić.

It felt like Žalgiris was in a competitive rhythm, unlike Petrovčani.

- Maybe it was felt more in Podgorica than in Lithuania because that match was our first competitive match this season. They are 21 rounds ahead of us, which means a lot to them in terms of physical fitness and everything else.

In previous seasons, Petrovac has generally been at the top of Montenegrin football. The task before the start of the new competition year is to maintain that continuity.

- Petrovac has set the bar to be constantly at the top, it will certainly be the same this season. We'll see what the season brings. It won't be easy, three teams are going to Europe this season and it will be a real challenge. We see that everyone is getting ready and bringing in reinforcements.

Montenegrin clubs in Europe have suffered a fiasco. In the eight matches played, our representatives have always left with their heads bowed.

- The league and clubs are generally under criticism. It's not nice when you get knocked out of European competitions at the beginning, but you also have to be realistic. Sutjeska played with Kairat, who played in the Champions League last season against, among others, Real Madrid. They played two even games, especially in Kazakhstan where they conceded a goal in the last minute. Dečić played against a very strong Lijepaja, who are also, like our opponent, literally 20 rounds ahead. Perhaps the most expected thing from Mornar was that they could make a breakthrough in the two-legged tie, but unfortunately Barani didn't succeed either - says Pešukić.

He believes that the league in the upcoming season could be at a higher level than last season.

- I hope so. Sutjeska has kept its core and brought in quality players, Budućnost too, so I expect them to try to get back to the top. We will certainly be looking for a chance too. I think we are quality and we have brought in good reinforcements.