Playing the Champions league is our greatest reward

Modri will open this year's Champions league on the match against Arsenal at Maksimir stadium! The big game is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16th at 20:45h. Head coach Zoran Mamić and players Domagoj Antolić and Marko Rog have announced the first round match at the press conference.

- Playing the Champions league group stage is the greatest reward for the team and coach. We are looking forward to this game against Arsenal and we are expecting a good atmosphere. We are aware of Arsenal's quality, but we believe we can fight against them and surprise them - said captain Antolić adding: - We are a little bit impatient about this game and we are really happy to be part of this great competition. We will play against the team that is one of the top teams in the last 15 years, but we won't surrender. We will do our best, fight and hopefully achieve a positive result. 

- Arsenal is unquestionably a great team and it won't be easy. On the other hand, we have confidence and we are ready to give our best. Are we nervous about that game? Maybe just a little bit. But this a positive jitters and I believe it will disappear when we enter the pitch. 

- It is realistic to expect that Arsenal will dominate and that we will be under pressure. But also, we don't want just to defend ourselves. We would like to endanger them and we will do everything to be successful in our mission - said coach Mamić and explained the situation with injured players: - We won't have Schildenfeld, Šovšić and Pavičić in our team against Arsenal due to their injury recovering. 

What about Arsenal's last game against Stoke? - I've watched that game live and Arsenal should have won 10:0. They've played at a really high level and we will try to play better than Stoke.

Some journalists had questions about Arsenal's player Alexis Sanchez: - He is a fantastic player, but I think their top players are Cazorla and Ozil. They are some kind of team brain that runs everything else. Of course, they have top players in their team and we will need to take care of our tactical discipline.

- Of course the pressure is lower when you don't have something to lose, but we would like to continue with our unbeaten run. When the match like this one begins - the match you are living for, you don't feel pressure anymore.

Coach Mamić had an opportunity to meet the Arsenal's coach, Arsene Wenger: - I've met him during the transfer of Eduardo. He is one of the best coaches in the world and his work is fantastic, especially with young players. This is a privilege for me to stand contrary to his in the Champions league - said coach adding something about the fans: - I am expecting the full stadium, good and positive atmosphere. This team deserves a support and I'm glad they are supporting players in good and bad moments.