New backdrop for Belgrade derby
Friday, February 29, 2008
Article summary
Saturday's 132nd Belgrade derby kicks off the spring campaign in Serbia with two new coaches in charge and an unenviable first at FK Crvena Zvezda's stadium.
Article body
Saturday's 132nd Belgrade derby kicks off the spring campaign in Serbia with two new coaches in charge and an unenviable first at FK Crvena Zvezda's stadium.
Closed doors
For the first time in the history of one of Europe's most famous footballing rivalries, Crvena Zvezda will host neighbours FK Partizan at an empty ground, with 'Red Star' having been ordered to play three matches behind closed doors following violent incidents during a 1-1 draw at FK Hajduk Kula on 2 December. With the second-placed team trailing Superliga leaders Partizan by six points, the punishment is an extra burden for 35-year-old coach Aleksandar Janković, who took the helm during the winter break.
'We are better'
"This will not be a real derby," he said. "Playing our biggest match without any supporters is no good for anyone but we have to respect the decision." Janković remains confident about his side's prospects, though, saying: "We are at home. We may be six points behind them but we have tradition on our side. The main thing for me is that we are better than Partizan and I expect a win. This is start of the title race and three points would be great."
Two doubles
Also appointed during the recess, 39-year-old Partizan coach Slaviša Jokanović knows all about derbies, having played seven as a midfielder with Partizan in the early 1990s. The former RC Deportivo La Coruña and Chelsea FC player will be without the suspended Zoran Tošić and Juca, but having drawn the home fixture 2-2 – and seen Crvena Zvezda win back-to-back doubles – the Black and Whites are hungry for success.
'More than three points'
"This is the first time I will be on the bench for a derby and I have never played without a crowd behind me," said Jokanović. "That will be a strange feeling, but I cannot do anything about it. All I can do is concentrate on my team and our target. Victory in the hardest match of the season is always worth more than three points. I believe that, yet even if we get the right result the championship will not be over."