Partizan forward Djordje Jovanovic spoke to media reps at the Media Day staged at Partizan training centre.
“We had a tough spell after the derby game and match against OFK Beograd as well. New boss arrived and helped us psychologically while adding some new demands in our game and it seems it went down well. We are on a six-game winning streak, all important wins, and we have to keep this pace”, said 25-year-old.
So far, Jovanovic netted five goals this season and he doesn`t think club management uncertainties had influence on below par team`s performances.
“Us players, we see what`s happening and read about it but it wasn`t crucial regarding mood around the squad and our results. Everything`s the same within the squad for the last 30 days but we still managed to get six wins in a row. We had a poor spell but we turned things upside down and I think we are taking the right path now”.
As a forward, Jovanovic enjoys working with new boss Savo Milosevic, who was a prolific striker in his playing days. Upon his arrival to the Partizan coaching post, Milosevic stated he sees Jovanovic as the first option in the attack.
“Every coach has his own ideas and we have to respect that, while every player is pleased when he has a full trust from his gaffer. Since Savo`s arrival, I play a lot, I`m happy how the things are going and it`s on the boss how much time I will spent on the field. We talk a lot and Savo himself was a world-class striker, so any advice I get from him is gold. I try to take it all in and use it on the field later on”.
Trust is the key word when Jovanovic decribes his new boss and 25-year-old forward underlines this is what Milosevic`s arrival brings.
“I think it`s about trust, faith in every player individually. I think player can give so much more when he feels trust from his boss”.
Jovanovic was on a goalscoring drought for some time and he was additional pressure as a result, not to mention team`s poor performances.
“No one can pressure me as much I can do it to myself alone. Before each and every game, I say to myself how I want to score. Sometimes, the ball just wouldn`t go in, as it was in a cup game when defender cleared the ball off the line. Sometimes it`s easy, sometimes it`s not, but what matters is to have trust in yourself and to enter every game with desire to score”.
Jovanovic signed a one-year deal with club in the summer transfer window.
“I would love to stay here but we`ll have to see about that. It depends on the situation the club is in, on my output but there`s plenty of time before my contract expires”, said Djordje Jovanovic.