Metalurg is facing Shkendija on Sunday and we used this opportunity to ask few questions to host Blagoja Ljamchevski and visitor Ertan Demiri.
25-years old winger Blagoja Ljamchevski and 33-years old midfielder Ertan Demiri played together during the first half season 2010/11 for Metalurg. Ljamchevski is still there while Demiri after some international advantures is back in the Macedonian league, but in Shkendija. On Sunday he is visiting Metalurg to face Ljamchevski and other former teammates.
It’s not a secret that Metalurg strives for the title, but will your team have the force to make history?
Blagoja: In the last couple of seasons Metalurg has always been up there but is still without a title, except for that in the Cup two seasons ago. When you look at the squad you get the impression that we have the quality to win the league, but there is still much to be played so at the end we shall see if we have succeed.
Shkendija strives for the title again, but will your team have the force to win its second league title?
Ertan: Regarding our players, we are very strong, but we must work a lot more and be motivated on every game. Of course, with this squad we are attacking on the double, but we all know that you can’t win anything easy. It’s not even all up to us, the club must be in good finances and a bit of luck will be welcomed as well.
Manager of Metalurg is the legendary striker Gjorgji Hristov. What can be learnt from him and how does it feel to be playing under his guidance?
Blagoja: Of course that with his international experience and European mentality we, the players, can gain much from him. According to him, every training session and every game is another story, a new chance for proving your qualities. He teaches us to be modest and to be constant, that is when you win not to fly high and after every defeat to learn a lesson.
Manager of Shkendija is the legendary winger Artim Shakjiri. What can be learnt from him and how does it feel to be playing under his guidance?
Ertan: It’s a great honor to be playing under his guidance. We all know who Artim Shakjiri is, his career and his name are a great motivation for us.
Like in every match, your team will strive for victory on Sunday. Why do you think that you can defeat your opponents? What are your advantages and what are the weak points of your opponents?
Blagoja: This is a derby game and in games like this one there are no favorites. Shkendija is a quality team composed of good footballers, many former internationals, all in all they are a good team that maybe don’t even have disadvantages. On the other hand we as in every game will go for a win, to remain in the battle for the title. I’m expecting a tight game and of course a win.
Ertan: A big disadvantage for both teams will be bad pitch, while our advantage is Nedjipi. I hope that we will win, we are super motivated.
What do you think about Ertan Demiri who will face you in this game?
Blagoja: We used to play together in Metalurg. He is an experienced and quality footballer, big fighter and brain of their team.
What do you think about Blagoja Ljamchevski who will face you in this game?
Ertan: I had the honor to play and train 6 months with him. As a person he is a great lad, always fair and positive. As a player I think he is doing great, he is becoming a strong winger who is tireless in the whole 90 minutes. I hope he won’t be at his best against us.
We wish them a good game on Sunday and may the better team wins!