Hungary head coach Marco Rossi expects a difficult Nations League clash in Belfast on Monday, but says his team will be aiming for all three points against Northern Ireland after Friday’s 1–0 defeat to Ukraine.
Speaking at Sunday’s press conference at Windsor Park, Rossi said Hungary had already turned its attention away from the loss to Ukraine and were preparing for a very different type of opponent, MTI reported.
Northern Ireland are expected to pose a more physical challenge, with particular danger coming from set pieces, crosses and long throws. Rossi also highlighted the hosts’ defensive discipline and the experience of players competing in England’s Championship.
“From the first minute to the last, we have to stay focused,” Rossi said, adding that Hungary cannot allow Northern Ireland to build sustained pressure inside the penalty area.
Rossi expects few goals
The Hungary coach said he does not expect an open, high-scoring encounter.
Northern Ireland traditionally place strong emphasis on organisation and defensive stability, and Rossi suggested Monday’s match could follow a similar pattern to previous meetings between the two sides.
He nevertheless made clear that Hungary’s objective remains victory.
Hungary likely to make some changes
Rossi confirmed that the tight schedule means some changes to the starting line-up are unavoidable, although he does not plan a major overhaul from the team that faced Ukraine.
The Hungarian Football Federation said Rajmund Tóth and József Szalai did not travel to Belfast and will therefore miss the game.
Preparation time has also been limited, with less than 48 hours between the Ukraine match and Sunday’s training session. Rossi said video analysis has therefore played an especially important role in preparing for Northern Ireland.
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Injuries remain a concern
Hungary are still without several important attacking players.
Barnabás Varga and Roland Sallai remain unavailable because of injury, while Damir Redzic was also forced out after Friday’s match. Rossi said he would not use the absences as an excuse and insisted Hungary still have enough quality to compete.
“Without them, we will still be competitive,” he said.
Player expects a physical battle
Hungary forward Donát Bárány also spoke before the match and said the team had moved on from the disappointment of the Ukraine defeat. He described Northern Ireland as a much more physical side than Ukraine, with a strong focus on corners, long throws and direct play.
Bárány, who plays for ADO Den Haag, also said he is still rebuilding his fitness after injury and is not yet at 100%.
Hungary will face Northern Ireland at Windsor Park on Monday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 20:45 CET. After losing their opening Nations League match to Ukraine, Rossi’s side will be aiming to get points on the board in Belfast.
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