Coach Kek Demands Improvement, Calls Derry City a 'Serious Team'

Slovenian coach Matjaž Kek has urged his team to elevate their performance significantly ahead of their upcoming match, stating they must be "better than at Rujevica." He highlighted that their narrow first-leg advantage offers no room for complacency.

Kek specifically identified Derry City as a formidable opponent, noting their tactical discipline and dangerousness on home turf. He pointed to their performances against CSKA and in the first leg against his own team as evidence of their quality.

"Derry City players have already shown in matches against CSKA and in the first leg against us that they are a serious team, tactically disciplined, and much more dangerous at home," Kek stated, underscoring the challenge ahead.

The coach's remarks signal a clear understanding of the stakes and a determination to avoid underestimating the Irish side, despite holding a slight lead from the initial encounter.