Pantic and Kljajic on Besiktas tie

Partizan is home to Besiktas on Thursday as part of EL play-off stage fixtures. Over the last 14 years, Partizan qualified for EL group stage 8 times along with two CL group stage appearances in 2003 and 2010.

Back in 2014, Partizan played against Besiktas in EL group stage and four players from today`s roster were part of that Partizan side – Pantic, Kljajic, Ilic and Vulicevic although Vulicevic missed it due to  injury. We had a little chat with Pantic and Kljajic ahead of Besiktas tie:

– I barely remember full Besiktas side from 2014. In my opinion, their best players back then were Demba Ba and Gohhan Tore. I don`t remember their keeper but it was crystal clear back then they were favourites to win the group along with Tottenham and Besiktas did play well. I think they are now better side individually and I believe greatest threat will come from Negredo and Quaresma, says keeper Filip Kljajic.

– In truth, I don`t like to go back to that Besiktas games as it didn`t turn out well for us but it was certainly a good experience. Now, it`s a payback time opportunity. It`s been four years since and I was just a kid back then, physically inferior. Now it`s so much different, I`m awaiting this game with more self-confidence and faith. Besiktas will play with their top stars although there are rumours Europa League is not their priority. I personally believe they`ll not give up on El just like that. They are all good players of high team quality but I believe they are not unbeatable, says midfielder Danilo Pantic.

Both Kljajic and Pantic agree on one thing:

– We hope atmosphere will be positive and that we will try to achieve one big success against one big team. We expect nice football show.