Ivan Leko: “Standard in the Champions playoffs is like Leicester winning the Premier League”

The players asked Ivan Leko for two days off after the victory in St. Truiden. Refusal from the coach, who justified: “Tuesday we get to work for a very important match against Dender which will decide our next three months. If we win, we will almost be safe for the playdowns. And we can look a little more upwards.”

Would the Champions playoffs become a goal for Standard? “But no, it’s a miracle if we finish in the Top 6assures the Croatian technician. Standard in the Champions playoffs is like Leicester winning the Premier League. It’s a miracle, not a goal. I know what had to change in this team, with few resources, few qualities, few things. But we cannot take away from this group that it lacks will. The mentality of the guys was excellent. We were behind, but the team remained calm.”