Štimac after Palace: Everyone in BiH can be proud of us
Coach Igor Štimac expressed pride in his team's performance despite their elimination from the UEFA Europa Conference League after losing to Crystal Palace.
Zrinjski Mostar's journey in the UEFA Europa Conference League came to an end after a 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, resulting in an aggregate score of 3-1. The Bosnian club had previously drawn 1-1 in the first leg match held in Mostar. Coach Igor Štimac reflected on the team's performance, emphasizing the courage and effort demonstrated by his players throughout the European season, which he believes made everyone associated with the club and the country proud.
Despite the disappointment of being eliminated, Štimac congratulated Crystal Palace on their advancement to the next stage and expressed gratitude to the supporters who traveled to London to cheer on Zrinjski. He acknowledged the valuable experiences gained during the campaign, which showcased the team's competitiveness on an international level. With the European journey now concluded, Zrinjski's focus will shift back to their domestic commitments in Croatia.
The outcome of this match reinforces the challenges faced by clubs in smaller leagues when competing against established teams in major footballing nations. However, Štimac’s remarks depict a sense of accomplishment and ambition for the future as Zrinjski navigates their local league while reflecting on their European experiences.