After successful appearance at Ajax Future Cup, where Partizan U17`s won runners-up position beating Man City and Anderlecht on the way to the final, players and coaching staff enjoyed in kind of a reception staged at FK Partizan Trophy Hall.
Partizan Sporting Director Ivica Kralj talked about:
-Personally, I expected this. Knowing coach Cetkovic and everyone in the coaching team, following their work, I knew there was a quality. We`ve seen what teams they played and how our boys proved better than them. It`s symbolic how two best youth academies in Europe played in the final. Our youth system is serious business, U19 team played UEFA Youth League while our teams are top of the most domestic youth leagues. I would also like to thank all youth coaches and management of our youth academy - said Ivica Kralj and then addressed the youngsters:
-I wish luck to you all and I would to see you as Partizan first team players. Let that be a motivation for you. Listen to your coach, you can learn a lot from him but he can learn from you too. I know what he says to you and how interesting it can be in your dressing room. You`ve seen what teams you were able to face in Holland, it`s a serious football level but everything is about your heads and feet. You also worked out the competition rules and format which was far from easy. Once more, you showed true nature of Partizan. On behalf of all of us at the club, and I`m sure all Partizan fans will agree, I would like to thank you for everything and to wish you more of this in the future. You will always have our full support regarding quality work, domestic competitions and international tournaments. Thank you, once again - said Ivica Kralj.
Partizan U17 Head Coach Djordjije Cetkovic spoke about his impressions regarding Dutch tournament and his views on training process and progress possibilities.
-It`s a great honour and pleasure for my coaching team and myself being part of this club. Personally, I feel particular honour to coach these boys who carried the load of this extremely tough tournament. They didn`t believe they can to certain things as they played against Man City and Ajax (twice) and I think they are still not aware of their qualities. Youth academy does a good job and we showed it, not only at this tournament but on several others this U17 team played. At Abu Dhabi tournament, we beat Sporting Lisboa. They were in Amsterdam too, but they were eliminated early. These Partizan kids deserve true respect from everyone within the club and they just need to keep working. It`s important they listen to their coaches, current ones or someone else next year.
I`m convinced these boys have bright future ahead of them. Stats from Holland show participants of Ajax Future Cup were mostly youngsters who play on a serious football level. I would love all our kids to play in big clubs and I would be happy if football becomes their livelihood after all. I know they are on a good path, that they and their families can make a living out of this. Congrats to everyone who was in Holland. Of course, to those who were not with us too, as we are a team and they are part of it. Thanks for everything, boys. You have my full support and support from everyone in the club for the things ahead of you.
Locally, Partizan U17`s are second-placed in the Serbian U17 league, trailing one point behind the leaders with one game in hand.
