First and foremost, Partizan is after winning points in each and every game. However, our club management decided to add one very important bit to it – to introduce as many academy graduates as possible. Such strategy proved right over the past two league games as Partizan fielded a number of young guns who became a part of the new winning streak for the club.
Dimitrije Jankovic, Zoran Alilovic and Ognjen Ugresic made their first senior appearances in a 3-1 midweek home win over Radnicki Nis and last night`s 1-0 win away over Zeleznicar.
“Partizan cannot achieve good results without club`s academy graduates, it was always about quality foreign players and talented Partizan youths. Actually, as I got this opportunity to temporary take over Partizan coaching post after just one year as coaching assistant, my aim was to include talented youths. Of course, I was allowed to as I have autonomy in making the decisions. I spoke to the boys before the games and I told them no one expects them to be crucial out there, they just need to go out and play on a level they already play against their peers. They are all boys who feel Partizan to the bits and represent the future of the club”, said FK Partizan Caretaker Coach Marko Jovanovic.
The 18-year-old`s Dimitrije Jankovic and Zoran Alilovic made their respective senior debuts midweek against Radnicki while another 18-year-old, Partizan U19 captain Ognjen Ugresic, made his debut cameo appearance last night in Pancevo.
“My boyhood dreams and desires to make my Partizan debut came true. It was tough but I did my best, as every player on the field did for us to achieve a win. I`d like to congratulate all my teammates and our coaching staff led by Marko Jovanovic”, said Ognjen Ugresic after the game away to Zeleznicar.
Away at Zeleznicar and over drizzly conditions, our team in away claret-blue shirts was massively supported by the away contingent.
“I was over the moon to be in the starting line-up and I hope I met demands set by coach Jovanovic. Weather conditions were tough as well as the pitch to play on but what matter is that we achieved another win. We wouldn`t have done it without support from the stands. Our fans are our best motivation, they were behind us when we were struggling and and I`d like to thank them for it”, said Dimitrije Jankovic.
The 20-year-old defensive midfielder Mateja Stjepanovic, also a Partizan academy graduate, came in at half-time for Aleksandar Scekic.
“When we show such battling spirit on the field, we get a positive outcome. I`d like to thank our fans for a great support, we wouldn`t be able to achieve this important win without them. As they say – Pancevo is all black-and-white”, said Stjepanovic.
