Partizan boss Aleksandar Stanojevic spoke to media reps ahead of domestic season opener this weekend and midweek`s CL qualifier soon after.
"We finished pre-season stage but we had to keep working as if we were in the midst of it as we didn`t do everything as planned. I had problems with player`s intensity, some of them were not able to keep up. We are still picking up regarding our work, the way i want it to be. Therefore, we will treat the opening game of the season as pre-season game. Anyhow, we`ll be able to use five subs. Time will tell what we are made of", said Stanojevic.
Partizan boss is yet not clear how his charges will look like in the opening game of the season.
"First game is the toughest one, it will take time before we get to know each other. We have to enter the game hundred percent and above, we cannot allow ourselves to think about Dynamo Kyiv. We need to have extraordinary energy for the start of the season. Are we going to be good or bad, I don`t know yet".
Stanojevic is happy with the new signings.
"I`m pleased with the newcomers. We really needed centre-back, defensive midfielder and left-back. Club did a great job signing them on time, at the start of the pre-season. Arriaga gives as pace and aggression, Mujakic pace and stability at the back and we also signed an experienced left-back. We were struck by Zivkovic`s injury as he was our attacking solution for the wing-back position, that`s why we signed Lazarevic on a short notice. We are looking to sign midfield player and we keep looking after missing on a deal with Djakovac. Moreover, we need a winger who can operate on both flanks and we also have Zubairu, young player with potential, able to break the defensive lines with pace. I`m definitely pleased with newcomers".
After domestic season`s opener against Napredak, Partizan will play Dynamo Kyiv in a CL qualifiers.
"They are of Dynamo Moscow level, that`s the kind of game we can expect, with lots of intensity and direct play. It will be a demanding match against one tough opposition. You`ve seen us play in Russia, what kind of intensity and levels of running we had engage in".
Stanojevic revealed what his team is lacking at the moment.
"We have to be a bit more dangerous upfront. We were never a threat in a first two friendlies in Russia, we didn`t attack opponent`s box, spent too little time in final third. Our discipline is gradually taking shape but we need a bit of off-the-ball movement, a play in both directions. In that department, we need boys to adapt to level of training".
