Partizan goalkeeper Aleksandar Jovanovic has been announced SSL round 24 best player.
Jovanovic attended Arena Sport TV Round 24 highlights show and looked back at 172nd edition of Eternal Belgrade derby, underlining that Partizan didn`t celebrate a point as the team went away to Rajko Mitic ground to win. 31-year-old keeper was also delighted by the crowds.
“My biggest impression was excellent atmosphere on the stadium. It was a joy to play, credits go to both set of fans.
I would divide the game into three parts. First one was the first half and home side was better but we converted our opportunity in the injury time and equalized. We also started the second half strongly, took the lead and the game was an even encounter until Severina was sent-off. After that and player short, it was really hard to play against one such opponent who pushed forward to score.
But, as I said after the game, we were 2-1 up and we were going for a win in that period of the game”, said Jovanovic.
Partizan goalie on his saves.
“Significance-wise, this was one of the most important games of my career, probably next to one I played against Real Madrid. This was my second derby appearance and I would like to praise my teammates once more for their defensive spirits when we were a man down. I`ll say it again, we did go there to win”.
More on the derby itself.
“I don`t want to underline my performance too much. We were there to win three points but didn`t play in the first half as we should have but, I`ll say it again, it wasn`t easy after Severina`s sending off. It was a really good performance on my behalf especially with all the pressure involved but I like to play such matches.
We are focused and we want to enter the play-off stage as the league leaders. We have a midweek league fixture and our routine is the same – getting ready for Wednesday followed by Sunday. We are still top of the pile and that`s what we wanted”.
Some were quick to point out how Partizan players celebrated a derby point won.
“I don`t agree we celebrated a draw. Partizan does not celebrate one point won away in a derby game. I`m not interested in small talk, I hold on to my job”.
Partizan is home to Napredak on Wednesday followed by weekend`s fixture and international break afterwards.
“These two games are most important now. It won`t be easy but our aim is to win them both. I would also like to wish Bazdar all the best with the national team. He`s working hard lately and national team call-up will be a great experience for him. I`m sure he`ll put up even better performances for Partizan afterwards”.
Arena Sport TV show was also attended by Crvena Zvezda player Uros Spajic who happens to be a friend of Jovanovic as well.
“I`m so glad Uros is playing top football after returning from long-term injury. I believe he is a centre-back of international quality. I wish him all the best but I want his team to remain at the runners-up spot, of course”.
Finally, Jovanovic had a message for Partizan fans.
“I`d like to thank them all. It was really nice to see them in such great numbers, they were all there together after a long time. All of us were thrilled to see packed South stand for a derby game”, said Jovanovic.