1. FC Köln: Ljubicic talks about Cologne start, Ösi debut and derby
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Dejan Ljubicic speaks in an interview before his first derby with 1. FC Köln against Bayer Leverkusen about his start at FC, his Ösi debut and his derby expectations.
Cologne. He was the big stranger before the season: Dejan Ljubicic (24) came from Rapid Vienna to 1. FC Köln before the season. However, the newcomer has already proven why he committed the Cologne authorities in the summer.
After “Dejo” missed the 5-0 swat against Hoffenheim sick, his first derby against Bayer Leverkusen is waiting for him on Sunday (October 24th, 3:30 pm, DAZN and in the live ticker on EXPRESS.de). In advance, the Ösi spoke about his FC start, his national team debut and Derby emotions.
After training on Thursday, October 21, 2021, Ljubicic spoke about …
… his fitness level: “I feel fit and healthy again. I wasn’t doing so well after returning from the national team (Cold, note D. Rot.). But now I’m happy to be back. “
… the 0: 5 clap against TSG Hoffenheim: “Of course I was pretty sad, but we’ve already ticked it off. We have to concentrate on Leverkusen now. That just happens, you always have to think positively. Even if that was a defeat. “
1. FC Köln: Access Dejan Ljubicic: “It got me there”
… missing regeneration time after the international game trip: “It’s the same with other clubs, such as FC Bayern, which plays in the Champions League. They are even more blatant. We are professionals and we have to deal with it. The trainer (Steffen Baumgart) mentioned it, and he is a little right. I was with the national team on the Faroe Islands, then I flew to Denmark and from there back to Cologne. I think I got caught there too. “
… his debut with the Austrian national team: “It was very beautiful. We played against weak opponents, but it’s always nice to be allowed to play for your country. I think I played 14 minutes. My family is proud, I am proud. I scored a goal quickly. That would have been the grand finale. “
Then it will come to 1. FC Köln against Bayer Leverkusen
… the derby against Bayer 04 Leverkusen: “People always have to think positively. I think the scenery will be great. I heard there will be 50,000 fans in the stadium. We will give everything, 100 percent on the pitch, so that we can beat Leverkusen. “
… the expectations of his first Rhine derby: “I’ve already had top derbies in Vienna (Rapid Wien versus Austria Wien, note by D. Rot.), but this derby is still one step higher. Leverkusen have a top team, regardless of whether they have lost to Bayern Munich. The individual players in particular are really outstanding. Even when I was still playing in Austria, I was already following Leverkusen. It’s a really good team. We have to look at ourselves, but we will also carefully analyze your weak points and give everything on Sunday. “
… the explosiveness of derbies: “Derbies are full of emotions over 90 minutes. You want to fight for your club and give everything. That will also be important on Sunday! “
… the clear victory of FC Bayern over Bayer Leverkusen: “That can happen. We played a really good game against Bayern (on August 20, final score of FC Bayern Munich 3-2 against 1. FC Köln, note by D. Rot.), Were 0: 2 behind and then came back with the 2: 2. In my opinion, Bayern are an over-team in Germany. You can lose against such world stars. “
Ljubicic at 1. FC Köln: “I can still learn a lot”
… his development at 1. FC Köln: “I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly for me. Nevertheless, I still have a lot of potential and can still learn a lot from Steffen Baumgart. I can still improve in all things, that’s why I came to FC. “
… his starting line-up prospect in the derby: “We usually have a top player on the six with Flaco (Ellyes Skhiri, note by D. Rot.). If he’s not there, I’m ready. But we also have Salih (Salih Özcan, note by D. Rot.), who is a really good kicker. In the end, the coach decides who plays. My focus is simply that I have to be 100 percent on Sunday. “
… his first goal for FC: “I’m still waiting for my first goal. Unfortunately, two goals have already been whistled away from me (laughs). Maybe it will be something in the derby against Bayer Leverkusen. “