Cupic: 'The favorite role is ours' ahead of Vardar–Pelister derby
Undefeated Vardar (8–0) must recover from the Melsungen test; Cupic says his team must assume the favourite role and raise their level.
Vardar wrapped up its Champions League programme but will continue competing on the international stage: as the last-placed team in their group they will participate in the European League. The club now shifts focus back to domestic duties, with a high-profile derby against Pelister at home marking their first league meeting this season.
Vardar wants immediate recovery after Melsungen
Coach Ivan Cupic said his squad must recover quickly from a taxing encounter with Melsungen and raise their level for the Super League clash. Vardar arrive at the match holding a perfect domestic record — eight wins from eight games — and Cupic stressed that the team must assume the role of favourite.
“We're playing a big derby. I told the boys that the favorite role is ours and that is how we should set up on Sunday. As a team that plays in the Champions League, but also as a side that has the best roster in the Super League and plays in front of its fans, we must take on the favorite role. That's how we set up against Ohrid, that's how we must set up against Pelister. We all know that we must win. Pelister plays a specific style of handball, so my players have to play at a higher level,” Cupic said at the press conference.
The derby is scheduled to kick off at 18:45. Cupic underlined that the tactical plan must account for Pelister's particular approach, and he called for a sharper collective performance from his squad in front of the home crowd.
Expectations are high in Skopje: Vardar will seek to protect their unbeaten domestic record and immediately refocus after European action, while Pelister will aim to upset the hosts and exploit any signs of fatigue.
Photo: press material from the event
