Slovenia’s Timi Max Elsnik in motion with Denmark’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
| Photograph Credit score: Reuters
Slovenia’s Timi Max Elsnik mentioned the success of different sporting compatriots like two-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar and NBA star Luka Doncic provides the crew loads of motivation going into Euro 2024.
Olimpija Ljubljana midfielder Elsnik is considered one of three home-based gamers within the squad as Slovenia return to the European Championship for the primary time since making their debut on the match 24 years in the past.
“Slovenia is a phenomenon in relation to sports activities,” mentioned Elsnik.
“Soccer possibly wasn’t a very powerful sport the final couple of years, however we now have reached the Euros and possibly it would rejoin different sports activities in Slovenia once more.”
Slovenia have additionally performed at two World Cups — in 2002 and 2010 — and are aiming to spring a shock over Denmark of their opening recreation in Stuttgart on Sunday.
“The variety of messages you get, the faces of individuals on the street present the whole lot, the Euros imply loads to the individuals,” mentioned Elsnik.
“Slovenia is a small nation and each sporting success is necessary for the nation.”
They will even face Serbia and England in a difficult Group C, however Elsnik insists they aren’t in Germany simply to make up the numbers.
“Groups corresponding to ours have been ready for too lengthy to take part within the Euros. Now we have reached our purpose by coming right here already however this isn’t the top,” he mentioned.
“The very best groups in Europe are right here and we’re amongst them. I do not assume it needs to be a burden, we should not really feel an excessive amount of strain. Everybody will give their utmost, however we should not neglect to get pleasure from these moments.”
“If we present the correct character, I believe we could be profitable,” Elsnik added.
“We’ll go into the match full steam and we do not want further motivation, it is already very excessive.”
Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand recognized RB Leipzig ahead Benjamin Sesko as Slovenia’s major risk after his 5 objectives in qualifying.
Nonetheless, Slovenia boss Matjaz Kek sees the 21-year-old as “one of many items of the larger photos”.
“He is without doubt one of the cogs within the machine,” mentioned Kek, who may also name upon former Atalanta star Josip Ilicic.
The 36-year-old Ilicic scored on his Slovenia comeback final week, having not performed for his nation since November 2021 after struggling with psychological well being points.
