He is Partizan Youth Academy graduate, now at Partizan on loan from Bologna. Centre-back Mihajlo Ilic scored his second goal this season in a 3-0 away win of Mladost GAT, helping Partizan progress to the Serbian Cup last 16 stage.
“As much as we were favourites to win on paper, we were very cautious ahead of this match. We were losing a bit of focus during the game and we could have finish the game of at the earlier stage, as boss Milosevic said. This is eliminatory competition and we have to be focused at all times. Mladost shocked us couple of seasons back and we learned from it”, said 21-year-old.
Ilic scored after Jurcevic`s corner-kick and far post header into the 6-yard from Arriaga.
“Exactly! It was a cross onto the far post where it was met by Arriaga, he did excellent job to send the ball into the 6-yard box and I sensed where the ball was to go and met it to send it into the net. I always dedicate the goals I score to my family”.
It would be good if Partizan lifts one trophy this season at least.
“We are aware of everything but we want to play good, pick our form up and be at the top of our abilities. I`m sure it will get better, game in game out. We have great support from the boss Milosevic as well as his coaching team and they believe in us at all times. We want to consolidate, the whole club to get back on its feet, so that we can win the cup first and to gradually start winning back the league titles as well”.
There was over 17,000 Partizan fans on the stands on a last league home game and you had a lots of support in Novi Sad for this cup tie as well.
“They were always supporting us away and my dream came true when our die-hards return to all stands last weekend. We remember how their support was important when we were winning the titles and played European matches against big opponents. So, we will keep breaking records but we need to get Partizan back where it belongs”, said Mihajlo Ilic.
Another goalscorer, Nemanja Nikolic, also spoke to Partizan website:
“Tonight`s goal was quite emotional for me as I lived in Novi Sad close to two years. Grobari were our great support tonight and I learned how it is when you have someone to celebrate your goal with”, said Nikolic.
Partizan is away to TSC on Sunday for a SSL round 14 fixture.
