Red Star vs Copenhagen: Lukasen and Bukari Out
Albert Riera confirmed that Lukasen will not play and Bukari is suspended. The lineup for the Copenhagen match is already picked, but the coach kept it to himself.
The first thing Albert Riera told reporters at the press conference, scheduled for 1:30 PM, was not a game plan but a list of players who will be missing. Lukasen will not play, and Bukari is suspended. Everyone else, the Red Star coach said, is available. Lukasen’s status had been uncertain going into the conference, so the question is now settled.
Red Star and Copenhagen meet on Thursday, October 22, at 6:45 PM at Rajko Mitic Stadium. It is the Belgrade side’s first European match of the season in front of the home crowd.
Who is available for Copenhagen?
Riera repeated that only two players are out and that the others are fresher and ready, since some of them played three days ago. He did not reveal the lineup, though he said he has already picked the starting 11.
“I already have the team, but I can’t tell you.”
Midfielder Timi Max Elsnik also spoke at the conference and said what the squad expects from the match.
“We all expect our first home European match. We hope for a win and a good result.”
A plan without magic tricks
Riera said Red Star already have a game plan and know where their own strengths lie, as well as Copenhagen’s. He described the opponent as a side with plenty of attackers and declined to talk about its weaknesses.
“I’m not a magician, but I know the plan and I know what the players need to do, so they have no doubt in themselves. I’m convinced of that.”
When reporters reminded him that Copenhagen have a good goalkeeper, the coach answered that he already knows this and that the concept will not change.
“Our team wants to have the ball, we play with a press, and I won’t change that. Of course, we have to be careful.”
What is at stake after the opening-round loss?
Red Star lost their first-round away match to Lugano 3-2, while Copenhagen beat Braga 3-0 at home. Novosti’s report from the conference calls this the second round of the Conference League, while B92’s broadcast mentions the third. Red Star have played one match so far, and the round number is a detail on which the two sources disagree.
Riera said tomorrow’s match is very important and that they have to win it, because they lost the first one, but that 15 points are still up for grabs.
“Maybe even 8 points will be enough, but it’s always better to win 15 than 8 points.”
The 2019 penalties and what is left of them
The two clubs share some history. In 2019, Red Star knocked Copenhagen out of Champions League qualifying after a penalty shootout. Riera answered the question about that tie briefly.
“That match was seven years ago. Football changes, and I hope we won’t win on penalties.”
The next date is clear: Thursday, October 22, 6:45 PM, when Red Star play their first home European match of the season in front of their own crowd, with a lineup Riera has chosen and not announced.
