03.09.2009, 01:06
Celje want a CL ticket

The rebuilt Slovenian squad are eager to leave their mark in Europe.

Celje want a CL ticket

After a disappointing season, the former European Champions made many changes in the team. With new strength, Celje are going to fight for a Champions League ticket in Leon.

Celje Pivovarna Laško were only fourth last season in the Slovenian Championship. Accordingly, they made many changes before the 2009/10 season. Ten players left the club, nine arrived.

David Špiler, Dragan Gajič, Aleksej Peskov, Tomaš Rezniček, Luka Ščurek, Mirsad Terzić, Renato Sulić, Vasja Furlan, Jan Gregorc, Aljoša Čudič are gone; Uroš Zorman, Aleš Pajovič, Renato Vugrinec, Dejan Savič, Predrag Dačević, Marko Koljanin, Richard Štochl, David Razgor and Dejan Čančar arrived.

The goals are clear this season:

"We want to get both Slovenian trophies back to Celje, which is winning the league and the cup," manager Mijo Zorko said. "We also want to leave our mark in the European cups."

Celje will have the first opportunity to show the new team in work in Leon where they will meet Reale Ademar, Kadetten and Lemgo.

The three-time CL winner (once with Celje, twice with Ciudad Real) playmaker, Uroš Zorman, is optimistic:

"The first two games will be decisive. Everything is in our hands. Opponents are tough, especially Reale Ademar who have the advantage of playing at home. We will do everything to enter the Champions League. But if not, it will not be a tragedy."

The Slovenian club has problems with injuries as well. Two key players – Aleš Pajovič and Miladin Kozlina – will not be ready for the tournament.

TEXT: Maja Mastnak