Partizan is away to Spartak on Thursday (4.30pm CET kici-off) for a previously postponed Mozzart Bet Serbian Super Liga round 6 fixture.
H2H (last six)
Partizan 5, Spartak 1, Drawn 0. Gd: 12-2, Partizan.
TEAM NEWS
Marko Zivkovic, Ghayas Zahid and Djordje Jovanovic remain long-term absentees. Mario Jurcevic is out of contention too.
Partizan Caretaker Coach Marko Jovanovic will be in charge of the team until the winter break. He spoke to media reps ahead of the Spartak away:
“This is a huge thing for me. At the same time, it`s a big responsibility as me and my associates are trusted to finish the job before winter break. I am thankful to the club management on their brave move to let us work with the team until the end of the year. I`m firmly on the ground and we have three really tough matches before the break and I am aware I have to seize this opportunity in a best possible way”.
Jovanovic on Spartak game and their gaffer Gacinovic.
“Vladimir Gacinovic was my coach when I played at Zeleznicar. I know his qualities and his experienced coaching led to Spartak`s streak of six games without a defeat. Over that period, they conceded just two goals which suggests Gacinovic added firmness to this Spartak side. Besides, he was successful at his previous coaching posts and he picked up with Spartak. We are going away there after a congested fixture list but we are Partizan and we have to do our best everywhere”.
Jovanovic is adamant his team is focused although he is the third head coach they worked under this season alone.
“We have no problems relation-wise, it`s out of the question. I spoke to more seasoned players often and I want to see how they feel. There are no signs players took me on in a bad way. Actually, you can see mutual respect on the field, their energy levels and battling spirit. These boys are professionals and they know what their duty is. I was in a similar position during my playing days abroad, when I experienced management changes and short-term coaching, my job was to do my work”.
