Shota Arveladze, the Yellow & Blue Head Coach discussed the upcoming Playoff Round Europa League matchup against Croatian side Hajduk Split. The Georgian spoke about choosing his squad, playing in Europe and the club’s mentality:
“We have to play and win every game. Our mentality is to win which makes us much stronger and we’re at the stage when we are playing for the group stages. If we count our targets this would be our first which is to advance to the Europa League group stage. This was what we wanted to do over the first 8-9 weeks. It’s clear as to what kind of game we have to play.”
Injury status:
“We have some knocks which we have after every game but we have all 22 players on the pitch for training thanks to our medical and training staff.”
The player’s qualities:
“The weapons I have is the quality of the players and they can change games individually or as a club. They have passion and can create which makes them special. We have a strategy and will will implement it.”
Playing in Europe:
“My motivation is unchanged if it’s the first time in Europe or the 5th. We have played six games up to now and want to play at least another six more. The groups will be full of English Premier league teams, Italian, French and German teams. This is our goal.”
Knowledge about Hajduk:
“I know the name of the players and I’ve watched their last five games against Ukrainian teams and a number of other games. I had the last three weeks to do so and I have information as to who has come and who have been transferred. I know about the beautiful stadium and atmosphere the club has and we will have to see how it will work out.”
Tomorrow’s squad:
“We have a training still and we can choose 18 players, two of which are the goalkeepers and we will need 16 more. Some names will be in and some will be out. But we have 22 fit players that want to be involved and it’s good for me to see this.”
Who gets to play:
“I never give anyone the feeling who will or won’t play. Whoever comes to training and respects the team, the club and his contract can play. We go game by game and see who needs to have a rest. There are three games a weeks and it’s still hard to compete in this weather and it’s the toughest month in the Middle East. We’ve been battling the weather and we will do our best to choose who is best to play.”
