Partizan boss Aleksandar Stanojevic spoke to journalists after 8-day pre-season camp in Slovenia.
“I have a clearer picture regarding some players and how we look currently. I`m pleased with what I`ve seen. We go step by step and at this stage intensity is of paramount importance. We need to get to know each other, players to get their early demands and they were good in that department. Of course, this is not what we want, we are far from it, but we move forward with each new day, that`s all that matters” said Stanojevic.
Friendly against Slovenians Bravo seemed like eliminatory for some players you wanted to see in action?
“It`s true, it was the game where I wanted to see ability of some of the boys, to have a clearer picture. We had lots of youngsters involved and we`ll go out on loan, others will rejoin their youth group but we will look more into our young guns in the future. Some players made progress, some didn`t. Unfortunately, we didn`t have another friendly in Slovenia to have more clear view”.
How is the team reacting to the demands set? They had two coaches last season and a new one for the upcoming one.
“Every coach has his demands and I wouldn`t go into details or make comparison. For me personally, it`s important they accept what we set out for them, for them to understand what I`m after, for them to know what to do at any given moment. We are not there hundred percent but we`ll get there. These preps are 7 to 10 days shorter but there`s no winging, we move forward. My job is to set things right in a short span of time, then we`ll move on to Moscow tournament”.
Newcomer Mujakic did few training sessions in Slovenia, Kervin Arriaga signed on Thursday and Ibrahim Zubairu signs on Friday. What are your expectations regarding new signings?
“First of all, they will add to our firmness and pace. I know Mujakic from my Turkey days while Arriaga is Honduran international, defensive midfielder with fine physicality. We also signed Zubairu, young Ghanian with two-year experience of playing in Serbia. I believe they will all meet our expectations”.
Partizan will have to adapt after possible departures, Saldanha and Bazdar to name but a few.
“Absolutely. I told club management any player who gets a good offer can leave, as long as the player himself is pleased with it. We live off transfers and have to adjust accordingly. Of course, we`ll set a certain deadline after which there`ll be no sales, as we don`t want to disturb team`s composition. It`s also important we get ready for eventual departures and we already look into alternatives”.
How pleased are you with the coaching staff? There are people there you work with for the first time.
“I`m thrilled although it`s true I didn`t work with some of them before. We made a internal staff redistribution, everyone is involved and we can do wide range of duties”.
Did you have a look at your CL qualifier rivals, Dynamo Kyiv?
“We follow their every step, everything they do; we are interested in every single thing. I see they are signing new players. I have to regret a bit that Ukraine is out of the EC as we would have a more tired rival otherwise (laughs). Ukraine had incredible group stage, winning four points but still got eliminated. Dynamo had six players in the national team, four of them regulars, that`s quite respectful. I noticed they have some internationals back from loan as well. We are doing our bit in signing players too, so we`ll gradually get ready for this tie”.
What can fans expect from Partizan in the upcoming season?
“I hope aggressive, disciplined side, my kind of football style. I want us to produce, to keep trying, to be dynamic. There`s little time left, players are coming in gradually, but I have to be pleased as what I wanted from the club is happening. We will have to be a little patient in first few rounds of domestic football but I hope we`ll soon be what we want us to be”.
