In retrospect – how would you assess the previous season? Are you satisfied with your performances in your first full season at senior level?
I actually made my senior debut playing for Koper, then as a youth team player, although it’s true that this has been my first full season at senior level in the Slovenian league. Irrespective of all the changes that went on in the club, I have to say that I’m satisfied with the previous season. After all, I received a great opportunity to prove myself despite being amongst the youngest in the squad, and I believe I took good advantage of this opportunity.

Four coaches - Kavčič, Rus, Skočič, Simeunovič? Who would you single out and what did you learn from them?
The first change had already happened by the time I arrived at the club, at the time still called Factor. That meant that I didn’t really get to know Mr Kavčič at all. I had already worked with Rus at youth level in the national team and he was one of the main reasons I even decided to come to the club. I also had a very good relationship with Mr. Simeunovič. "Ultimately" we were taken over by coach Skočič, who deserves most of the praise for keeping us in the league. I believe that I can learn and hone my skills a lot under his guidance, as he is a top expert. I try to stick to the principle that it doesn’t matter which coach you play for, you try to take the positive things and put one hundred per cent effort in training, as only that brings progress.

(slika)At the end then, you stayed in the league on merit. Was there any moment when you stopped believing it was possible?
Whoever knows me well knows that I’m an eternal optimist. That said I never even thought about anything but staying up or didn’t dare to think it. And as it turned out, I was right.
 

You played in various positions – wing-back, winger, forward. Which position suits you most would you say?
It’s true, I played in various positions throughout the campaign, both on the left and right side. In the final games, I found that playing on the right wing up front suits me very well, especially in the system we are playing in now (4-3-3). However, I have no problems or qualms about playing in the position of right wing-back. The only slight nuisance is having to switch positions during a game, because then I need a certain amount of time to change my mind frame to playing in the other position. Sometimes it was too late.

Your speed and your heart have made you a crowd favourite. Which element of your game would you say is a weak side, if any, or what would you improve in your game?
I think I have a lot of reserves. There are many elements which I have to improve and work on. Here I have in mind particularly the physical side of the game. The rest I think will come through training, matches and experience.

You spent the largest number of minutes on the pitch out of the whole team. Did you expect this to happen in your first season? Are you tired and were you looking for the season to be finally over?
I was hoping that I would get a chance to prove myself in my first season here. That’s why I was looking for a club which could provide me with an opportunity. At the end, things turned out even better than expected. I never thought about playing the largest number of minutes out of all the players. I barely finished the final few games because of fatigue. That’s why I particularly want to recharge my batteries in the short break that we have.

You’re a member of the U-21 national side. What kind of role do you play there? What are your wishes with regard to the qualifying matches?
I’ve been in the national side since I was 14 and I went through all the youth levels up to the U-21s, where I am now. Like every footballer, I want to play for the senior side. As for the qualifiers, I just want to give a good account of myself and try to make the Championships with the team.

Which moment this season will remain in your memory?
Certainly staying up and the dinner party following the game against Bonifika in Strunjan :).

Are you also a student? How do you manage all of your obligations?
I’m studying physiotherapy at the College for Health Care. However, I’m not really handling my studies and football very well at the moment, not to an extent I could take any credit for anyway. Training and matches take up too much time. I hope to make up some ground over the summer.

The break will be short. Are you heading back to the coast or are you taking a vacation, the sea, going abroad, who are you going with, for how long and why the location?
I’m going to take advantage of the break by going to the coast, but it’s going to be Turkey, for a week, with my mates. They say that it’s the place we’ve been looking for :).

The celebration when staying up was surely huge considering the situation the team was in. Tell me how did you celebrate, where and with whom?
The celebrations kicked off with a dinner party in Strunjan and I have to say it got pretty lively. We carried the party over on the team coach to Ljubljana and finally ended up in the club above the city. Obviously I celebrated with my team mates.

Interblock stayed up! Are you going to stay at the club?
My contract has actually expired, but I believe they (the club management) will offer me a new one. I feel good in Ljubljana and I would like to stay a part of this top-class project.

Just one more question to finish off, namely for the gentler sex. Do you have a girlfriend, fiancée,...?
No, I don’t :).