Red Star Belgrade Coach Praises Hapoel Be'er Sheva Ahead of Champions League Qualifier

Red Star Belgrade completed preparations for their first-leg Champions League qualifier against Hapoel Be'er Sheva, scheduled for Tuesday at 20:30 in Hungary. Coach Dejan Stanković praised the Israeli champions as a brave and competitive team but emphasized that Red Star aims to control the match. "We expect a demanding game against a good opponent who wants to compete," Stanković said during a press conference, adding that his team must stay focused and confident after analyzing Be'er Sheva in recent days.

When asked about Hapoel Be'er Sheva's loss of Kings Kangwa, who transferred to Panathinaikos this summer and was their MVP, Stanković replied that Be'er Sheva will have to see how they manage without him. He described Be'er Sheva's main strength as their counterattack play, noting they are not the fastest but fast enough and very courageous. Red Star plans to neutralize this weapon and is preparing for all possible scenarios, aware that Be'er Sheva sometimes takes excessive risks in knockout stages.

Stanković also commented on the match being held in Hungary rather than Israel, calling it logistically easier and akin to having two home games. He expressed hope that Red Star fans will fill the stadium and create a strong atmosphere for the return leg in Belgrade. When asked if he preferred facing Be'er Sheva or Vikingur, he said every opponent has pros and cons, and teams must overcome such challenges to reach the Champions League.

The coach expressed satisfaction with his team's progress this season, highlighting their physical performance despite the heat. He confirmed that all players are fit and healthy, calling it a "good headache." Red Star has already flown to Austria and will continue to Hungary ahead of the intriguing clash with the Israeli State Cup holders.