Bosnia and Herzegovina national team completes second training session, players optimistic ahead of Northern Ireland match

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Bosnia and Herzegovina national team completed their second training session today at the FK Sarajevo Training Center in Butmir as part of preparations for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.

Before the training, assistant coach Gordan Ciprić, along with national team players Ibrahim Šehić and Goran Zakarić, addressed the media representatives.

Ciprić spoke about the medical bulletin.

- We had a number of players doubtful due to injuries, mostly in defense. Vranješ and Bičakčić will certainly not play. Nastić will receive his MRI results today, Ćivić also complained of an injury. We will see in the next two days what the situation is, but overall everything looks much better today than yesterday.

Robert Prosinečki's assistant emphasizes that despite several absences due to injuries, the team will not change its system of play.

- I don't think there will be a need to change our system of play, nor should we adapt to anyone. Our ambitions are not diminished if two players are injured. Our goal remains qualification for the European Championship, and we will seek positive results. We have quality, and it is up to us to show it on the field.

Our national team goalkeeper Ibrahim Šehić says about the upcoming matches:

- These will be two different matches. I watched Northern Ireland before, and they are not a classic English team that only plays long balls. However, they are dangerous from set pieces. They are combative, especially when playing at home. I believe we will prepare as always. Austria is a strong team, and two interesting matches await us.

Former Željezničar player, now with Belgrade's Partizan, Goran Zakarić expects positive results.

- I am glad to be called up to the national team again, and the coach will decide whether I will play. It is up to me to work, and I am glad to be in good form, and I am always at the disposal of the national team and the coach. I am ready to give my maximum and I hope for favorable results. A tough job awaits us in both matches, but I believe in a good outcome for us.

Tomorrow at 4:15 PM, players will be available to media representatives for statements at the Hotel "Austrija" in Ilidža, and at 5:00 PM they will hold a training session.