Acun Ilicali (foto: pigac.si)
Maribor owner Acun Ilicali watched the eternal derby against Olimpija in Stožice and said he is satisfied with the club’s progress since taking over.
Maribor owner Acun Ilicali was present in Ljubljana on Sunday evening to watch the Slovenian eternal derby against Olimpija, observing the match from the stands of Stožice Stadium.
The Turkish businessman attended the game alongside Cem Basgul, the club’s head of football operations, as Maribor played out a tense and tactical encounter with their biggest rivals.
Owner closely following Maribor project
Since stepping away from his executive role at Fenerbahçe, Ilicali has devoted more time to his football projects, which include Hull City in England and Maribor in Slovenia.
In recent months he has visited Ljudski vrt on several occasions, watching matches and closely monitoring the team’s development.
Sunday’s derby offered him another opportunity to evaluate the team in a high-pressure environment.
The match itself produced an intense battle, highlighted by two excellent saves from Matevž Vidovšek, while the teams ultimately shared the points.
“Derbies are special matches”
Despite Maribor missing a chance to close the gap on league leaders Celje, Ilicali expressed satisfaction with the direction the club is taking.
“I love derbies because they are extremely important in football. Everyone knows how important the match between Olimpija and Maribor is, and I simply could not miss it,” Ilicali told Šport TV after the game.
The Maribor owner also emphasised the progress made since his takeover.
“For me, progress is always the most important thing, both in football and in life. Since I bought the club, we have made enormous progress, which gives us a very good outlook for the future. I believe we are on the right path and I am very satisfied.”
Title race still open
Maribor remain in contention in the Slovenian title race, though the derby draw prevented them from closing the gap on Celje at the top of the table.
With the season entering its decisive phase, the club’s hierarchy will hope the team can maintain momentum and continue building on the progress highlighted by their owner.