Partizan progress a must for Paunović
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
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FK Partizan's Veljko Paunović insists that the Serbian champions could shape their season by getting the better of FC İnter Bakı in the second qualifying round.
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FK Partizan striker Veljko Paunović believes the Serbian champions can shape their season by seeing off the challenge of their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round opponents FC İnter Bakı in the deciding leg on Wednesday.
Unfinished business
Defeating the Azeri title-holders would put Partizan within a tie of the group stage of Europe's premier club competition, with the knowledge that even a loss in the next round would mean a transfer to the UEFA Cup first round. However, Paunović knows there is plenty of work to be done to guarantee progress despite securing a score draw in the tie's away leg. "It was a good result for us," he said. "It is always good to achieve a 1-1 draw away from home but the history of football warns us not to take anything for granted. Azeri players are much better than they were ten years ago and we must not forget that."
'More class'
The 30-year-old started his professional life at Partizan and has returned to the club after a career spent mainly in Spain, latterly with UD Almería. He feels his side should have enough quality to progress, saying: "I believe we have more class, but performing on the pitch is what it's about." After starting well in Baku and taking the lead in the fourth minute, he admits Partizan lost their way in the second half and has now called on his team-mates to raise their game. "We were content when leading but İnter showed a lot of patience and confidence," he said. "We must try to capitalise on our advantages in second leg from the first minute. If we focus and stay right on top of our game then we have a very good chance."
Decisive match
Should they succeed, Partizan are likely to meet Fenerbahçe SK in the third qualifying round after the Turkish side's 2-0 win over MTK Budapest, although Paunović is not getting ahead of himself. "There is not a chance I will consider that yet and I know the whole team feel the same. Our minds are on this match against İnter and we can think about other games when the time comes. This match is decisive for us. It's our second of the season and to make it we must give it our all."
