UEFA ECL: Partizan drawn to Feyenord

Partizan was drawn to Dutch greats Feyenord for a UEFA Europa Conference League last 16 fixtures.

First leg will be played on 10^th of March followed by return scheduled for March 17.

We spoke to Partizan Sports Director Ivica Iliev after the Nyon draw:

-Feyenord is a great name, top of the Dutch football scene and well-known club on the European circuit. We`ve been drawn to one of the toughest opposition and they might be regarded as favourites to win this tie but I believe our team can compete with anyone. I`m always positive, not in terms of being adventurous, but because boys showed they are the best when it matters”, said Iliev.

Queensy Menig arrived to Partizan from Twente and played against Feyenord in the past. Iliev underlines the importance of Menig`s suggestions:

-Knowing who our coach is, I`m sure he started analyzing results and performance of Dutch team straight after the draw. Of course, Queensy Menig will contribute with his advices and suggestions although it`s more of a coaching team job. I have no doubts Stanojevic will prepare his team for such level of football game”.

Partizan qualified for the ECL last 16 stage after winning Sparta 3-1 on agg and Iliev says that great atmosphere on the stands helped our team progress to the next round.

-It was a spectacle. Fans were behind the team and their incredible energy made our boys look great on the field. First half was one of our best performances in years, with pace not seen in Serbian football for a long time. It`s interesting battle in Serbian championship but we have to be proud of our European outings too.

Partizan is away to Crvena Zvezda on Sunday, for a 166^th edition of Eternal Belgrade derby game.

-This is Partizan I`ve played when Stanojevic was coaching here in his first spell. We look strong and aggressive. I`m sure that`s how it going to be on Sunday too”, said Ivica Iliev.