Mladost highly motivated ahead of re-match with Cyprus champions

Mladost ZAGREB will host Cyprus’ Kuutio Homes Pafiakos PAFOS in the return leg of the CEV XTB Champions League Volley qualifiers on Thursday, October 29, at 17:00 local time at Dom odbojke in Zagreb. The Croatian champions head into the match with an advantage following their 3-1 victory in Cyprus, but they are fully aware that the job is far from finished.

Mladost have also made a strong start to their domestic campaign, recording convincing 3-0 victories over Dinamo and Centrometal in the Croatian Superliga. Head coach Toni Kovačević is pleased with his team’s performances so far but admits that the Cypriot side proved to be a tougher opponent than expected in the first encounter.

“We played well in our first two Superliga matches, beating both Dinamo and Centrometal 3-0, so we can be satisfied with the start of the season. As for the Cypriot team, I have to admit they pleasantly surprised me. We had watched their match footage and scouted them thoroughly, but they were particularly impressive in defence. We know them much better now, and the most important thing is that we managed to secure an away victory,” said Kovačević.

However, the result of the first leg does not guarantee Mladost a place in the next round. The Zagreb side will need another strong performance in front of their home fans to avoid the uncertainty of a Golden Set.

“The victory in Cyprus means a lot to us, but we know that nothing has been decided just yet. Under this competition format, it is the number of match wins that counts, not the overall set difference. That is why we have to go for another victory at home. We definitely do not want qualification to be decided by a Golden Set. We are happy with the result of the first match, but now we have to confirm it in front of our supporters,” the Mladost coach emphasised.

Kovačević believes that neither team showed its full potential in the opening encounter. “I do not think we showed everything we are capable of in the first match, but perhaps neither did they. We expected their French player, Titouan Halle, to spend more time on court, but he was substituted after just a few points in the opening set. I believe he could play a bigger role in the return leg because he is a player who can make a difference. We will certainly prepare for that possibility.”

Mladost entered the new season with several significant changes to their roster. Experienced Croatian opposite Leo Andrić has joined the team, while Slovenian outside hitter Jan Pokeršnik has strengthened the squad alongside Ivan Zeljković and Marino Marelić. Young setter Arman Smajlović has joined experienced captain and playmaker Tsimafei Zhukouski, while Japanese libero Amane Kumagai is another new addition to the Zagreb side.

“We have a very experienced team, and that can make a big difference in important matches like this one. Everything is under control at the moment, the players are highly motivated, and they understand how much playing in the Champions League means to the club. Everyone is fully focused on Thursday’s match,” Kovačević concluded.