Since the arrival of the new management, Media Day at Partizan training centre has become a regular feature again.
Journalists of numerous Belgrade`s media watched full Partizan training session after which they were able to chat with boss Savo Milosevic and number of players.
With Milosevic`s approval, Media Day will take place once a week at least, so that the army of Partizan fans get the opportunity to have more info on the first team and their favourite players.
Boss Milosevic was asked about the work done during international break.
“We had three players away on international duty and we will have almost full squad available for training on Thursday. We were able to do a lot over the few weeks and the boys did well. Unfortunately, Zahid and Djordje Jovanovic picked up long-term injuries but that`s part of the package. Zahid is away in Norway doing his medical but it`s not good news and he is up for a long spell on the sidelines. Jovanovic himself might be back before the winter break but we want take any risks with him unless there`s clear evaluation saying he can play.
We are now left with two attackers - Nikolic and youngster Dusan Jovanovic who was training and playing for the first team before. I`m not going to moan, this team played without Zahid or Djordje Jovanovic in the past and we will have to find new solutions and ways to battle these things”, said Milosevic.
Partizan boss was also asked about winter transfer window.
“You are talking about science fiction, are you? (laughs). We`ll see what can be done, some changes can be expected. I`m sure we`ll find the way to sing some new players. It`s not going to be the way we would have liked but we`ll try to fill up some gaps at certain playing positions. But, at the moment, we can only think about the next game in line”.
What`s the secret to your success considering you won six and drawn one game since taking over Partizan dugout?
“It`s not about one person or one thing. New energy always brings something. Maybe it`s about me knowing the situation inside the club well. I also watched a number of Partizan games before my arrival. I guess it helps a lot. If you want your team to give their max, you need to unburden them psychologically as well; you want them to trust you. I guess the team reacted well to the new coaching staff too. Moreover, my predecessor had tougher fixtures, European ones. But, we are far from the stability we need, both as a team and a club. We have to remain fully focused until the winter break, never to think we are better than we are”, Milosevic said.
Kevin Arriaga played for Honduras over the international break and he will be late returnee to the squad.
“What matters is that he is fit and we have a plenty of time until Sunday`s fixture. He won`t be training too much and we need him to be psychologically fit to play and I believe he will be. Lately, Kevin shows good level and continuity and he kept his good form playing for national team”, Milosevic said.
Forward Nemanja Nikolic also spoke to the media reps.
“We worked on the psychology mostly after we failed to win seventh game in a row although we had a two-goal lead. I guess we should have scored at least another goal in the first half but Zubairu was unlucky not to score. We cannot fault him as Zubairu himself was pivotal in winning us many points before and there are other players on the field who should score. Now, we have four or five home games, including two previously postponed ones and we`ll try to win all remaining seven matches before the winter break”, Nikolic said.
After Djordje Jovanovic picked up an injury, Nikolic is the only remaining senior striker.
“I had serious injury in my career as well and I wish Zahid and Jovanovic speedy recovery. I think Jovanovic is not that bad but Zahid with suspected torn ligaments injury will probably be out for a long time. Of course, we will miss them as they were involved in a more than a dozen goals we scored this season”.
