Marko Nikolc: We did not get here by luck

"I am pleased to be sitting here representing the club and Hungarian football in the Europa League Group Stage. It is important that we perform at this level. A couple of draws would bring some attention but it would not help us to go through. We have long term plans and we did not come here to mess around, but to pick up results. We are in the middle of a series and not at the end. We did not get here by luck and we to show that we are capable to play at this level. We need to show that we can battle against sides such as BATE. The Belarus side have several international players who are experienced in playing in the Champions League and the Europa League. They have some Serbian players in their squad that I know. However, we have looked at their whole team in our preparations. I never talk about tactics and I will not do so now. They are the favourites and we will need to turn the paper form on to its head. We are in one of the strongest EL groups. You cannot compare the weekend league game to the one on Thursday. It will be played at a different tempo and opponents. The tactics and motivation will also be different. It is one thing playing in front of a few hundred, but another when there are thousands watching. I hope it will be a full house."

He continued "It is a real pity about the injury to Adam Kovacsik as he has been the long term number one keeper at our club. He is also a member of the national team squad. I wish him a speedy recovery. We have another two keepers in our squad, and whichever one plays will get my full backing. One thing certain is that there will be 10 players in front of him who will be trying to stop goals going in. Some players over the summer have left like Stefan Scepovic who is not in our squad and Jozsef Varga, who recently left the club were all down to decisions and my responsibility. This is football and players come and go, but our aims have not changed. It is not my responsibility regarding Danko Lazovic. All I will say is that I have worked with him at three clubs and I know him well. He is not only an excellent player but also has a great personality. He always wants to win and move ahead. Fortunately we have other similar mentally strong players in our squad like Juhasz, Fiola, Vinicius, Huszti or even Patkai. I am sad that Danko is no longer with us but I respect his decision. However, I think he could have played at this level for some years still."