Barbarez on meeting with the Italians: A dose of courage will be an important factor

(Patria) - The coach of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team, Sergej Barbarez, and captain Edin Džeko held a press conference today ahead of tomorrow's decisive match with Italy, which will determine who qualifies for this year's World Cup.

Barbarez spoke about the players' physical condition after the match in Wales, stating that he lost his voice, but everyone else was fine.

"We're moving on to bigger things, but it was strenuous, yes. No one said they were lacking anything or felt any discomfort after the match in Wales," said Barbarez.

The coach also commented on statements coming from Italy regarding our national team.

"Watching and analyzing opponents and preparing for a match is always based on many factors. The fact that someone said something somewhere, or twisted it for one reason or another, doesn't affect me, nor does it worry me. My focus is on my players and our style of play. Just as they analyzed us, we analyzed them," said Barbarez.

How do you comment on Francesco Totti's statement, 'Die or win tomorrow in Zenica.'

"We athletes are very emotional about these things, and it's sometimes very difficult for us to refrain from certain statements. However, we know that the match is very important for them too, and they will also be at their maximum," said Barbarez.

Journalists also asked Barbarez about the difference between preparing for the match against Wales and Italy.

"The basic difference is this: that was a semi-final, without that win, we wouldn't have this final. I don't like comparing how one plays or how another plays; they can change their system from match to match. You have to have a plan B or C. That was the case in Wales, and it will be the case tomorrow," explained the coach.

Regarding the factors that could decide the match, Barbarez said it could be the small things that connect the players and the audience.

"Just like before the match in Wales, a huge dose of courage will be an important factor. Especially the start of the game. A won tackle, a sliding save, a good shot – small things will be of great importance and can connect us more with the audience. It can raise the emotion and the spirit of the race and the fight. It can't give them anything new because they've experienced everything, but for us, it will be a big thing," emphasized the coach.

He explained what the tactic would be in case of taking the lead, and what it would be if they conceded the first goal from the Italians.

"If we are leading, we will park the bus in front of our goal. If we are losing, we will park the bus in front of their goal. What makes me happy is what is happening here. It's no longer just support, but simply love that is reappearing and being reborn for the national team, the players, and the country. I consider that the greatest success. We'll see what happens on the field," said Barbarez.

The coach also spoke about changes in the team compared to the match against Wales.

"You know I don't answer questions about tactics and formations. We have to prepare something, that's for sure. We are not a team that will change much. We have been playing in a system that suits us for a year and a half, and now is not a convenient moment for experimentation. Why shouldn't we stick to our own and let the opponent think?" said Barbarez about the lineup.