| It’s a shame Bojan Krkic won’t play for Serbia |
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| Sunday, 27 January 2008 | |
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City of Barcelona will be represented in the quarter-final of the Spanish King’s Cup by only one representative – the most famous Catalan club of FC Barça – as their arch rivals Espanyol have been knocked out on penalties against Atletic Bilbao. Serbia and Espanyol midfielder Milan Smiljanic analyses for Blic the unfortunate exit of his club.
“This was one of my finest performances for Espanyol,” says Smiljanic, ”The whole team played really well, and that with a man down for 105 minutes, as Luis Garcia was sent off early on. We were leading until the very end but failed to crown it with a win. We were really ambitious and serous about our season in the Cup, as the winner gets to play in the UEFA Cup next season. Unfortunately we went out on penalties, but everyone is praising us for our display – both the fans and the club. So, there’s no need to be sorry about anything too much.” There is also no time to be sorry, as the domestic league continues over the weekend. - “We’ve found our rhythm and there is a favourable spell of match schedule ahead of us and I honestly think we can get to the position number four, which ensures a place in the Champions League. Although a UEFA Cup place would be a more down-to-earth prediction, we’re seven points ahead of seventh-placed Valencia.” The big Madrid derby match is on at the weekend. - “Real Madrid are out of the Cup but have rested the majority of key players, which doesn’t apply for Athletico Madrid, who played at full strength at mid-week. The re-and-whites have always been in the shadow of Real, and although they have a terrific side on their hands this season – lead by Agüero and Forlan – I believe the odds are against them for the big derby match. On the other hand, it’s a fact we [Espanyol] would benefit more if Athletico lose the encounter, which means I’ll definitely support Real Madrid.” What are your impressions about Primera Liga after the six moths you have been with Espanyol? - “I’m overwhelmed with the experience so far. Everything others had told me about Spanish football got its confirmation soon enough. I’m playing for an excellent club in a championship which is, together with English Premier League, the best in Europe. The conditions I have at the club are just tremendous, we play an offensive game and people are saying I gelled well with the rest of the team. I’m also happy with the match practice I get, I hope just like the club are happy with my performances.” Neighbour Barcelona’s young talented prospect Bojan Krkic is increasingly capturing media attention in Spain. - “We’ve had a chance to meet and talk for a brief moment. He said his Serbian was poor but we managed to exchange a few words. I could see he’s a nice guy who isn’t viewed as a young talent anymore in Barcelona, but a player the team can rely on. In Spain they’re extremely pleased he’s decided to play for Spain and all I can say it’s a shame, as he would have been a major reinforcement for Serbia.” The national team of Serbia play their first game under new manager Miroslav Djukic on 6 February against Macedonia. - “It’s good news more and more young players and coaches are getting their opportunity to appear for the team. I worked with Djukic while with the U21 team and Partizan and I’m sure he’ll get accustomed to the new role easily as he’s coached ninety per cent of senior team’s players, while he has also played with a number of them. He’s well aware of our characters and qualities and I believe he can achieve success supported by a positive atmosphere. Macedonia are an adequate rival for a first game. As far as I’m concerned, I don’t think either mine or anyone else’s place in the starting XI is guaranteed, but I hope I’ll impose myself with my performances with Espanyol,” concludes Smiljanic. |
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