Petev: Our expectations are high

Ludogorets coach Ivaylo Petev gave a press conference before the rematch with Olimpija Ljubljana from the second qualifying round of the Champions League.

"My expectations are always high. We analyzed quite a bit what we had to do. I said after the game itself that we were not convincing, but we created three or four sure chances. I hope we have success and play good and pragmatic football. The stakes are high and we must do everything possible to continue tomorrow," the specialist began.

"It's not nice to lose players, but we have to continue with what we have. Toshko dropped out in the morning, we have two more players who will miss today's session as well, from the group here," Petev added.

"I think the main thing we need to improve is ball control and greater certainty in our actions. This is of great importance to us. Goals make the difference and we need to be a bit more efficient in front of goal," he stated.

"And I can see we lack consistency. That's something I don't like. We are working in this direction as well and I hope that in every match that is ahead of us, there will be no faltering in our performance. The main thing is to play a good match and continue," the specialist believes.

“And we want to continue, and so do they. I don't think it will be any different than the first game. It's important how we look, that's the main thing for me. Every single match is different in itself. It's a matter of getting mentally ready for what can be tomorrow. Ludogorets has played more than one match against teams at a higher level and performed well. It is important to be smart, to know what we are looking for in every minute. I am convinced that if we do this, we will be successful. We are ready. This is a tournament battle and naturally we are ready for penalties. The main thing for us will be the security we will have in possession of the ball and controlling the match. I hope that we will be better than the previous match", continued Petev.

"We are ready for absolutely everything that will happen in the match itself. I wish in the 90 minutes we have, we can be the ultimate winner. Before the first game, we had a good win. These matches are a different psychology and have nothing to do with the home championship. We had two faces against Ballkani. We have something to compare - how we looked in one and in the other. We have all taken note of what did not bring us success in the first game. Tomorrow we must be different," Petev concluded.

Goalkeeper Sergio Padt also took part in the press conference.

"After the last match we know that we are not at our best level. We know we have to do better. We know we can. We've already shown it. I am sure that we will achieve a good result," said the Dutchman.