Emil Velic: «Dialogue with defenders is the most important thing when playing defense»
Emil Velic has recently joined the team, and already the first few days have brought him a lot of positive impressions. The advice of his compatriot Miral Samardzic, former captain of our team, finally convinced the Slovenian to choose the Yellow-Blacks. Emil also shared his thoughts about his path in soccer, inspiration from the best players, such as Jan Oblak, and his goals for the upcoming official matches.
- Emil, congratulations on your transfer to FC Sheriff! What are your first impressions of the club and the team?
- Thank you very much! I am very happy and proud to be part of the most titled club in Moldova. The first impression is great - I saw how big this club is with a great infrastructure. Earlier, when I first got the offer, I was looking for information about the club. Many of my friends, for example Miral Samardzic, who was the captain of the Yellow-Blacks, told me a lot of good things about the club, the city, the people and the fans. This helped me to make a decision - I said “yes” and gladly accepted this new challenge.
- What attracted you to the Moldovan championship and FC Sheriff?
- First of all, the club itself. I heard about its successes in European cups, including the victory at the Santiago Bernabeu. This was a key moment. I want to help the team reach new heights, win the championship, the Super Cup and qualify for the European Cup.
- You started your career in Slovenia and then played in Belgium, Greece and Bosnia. How do the championships of these countries differ?
- Each championship is unique, with peculiarities of its soccer. But everywhere I enjoyed the atmosphere of the game. It was a valuable experience that helped me grow as a player and a person. Now I'm looking forward to playing in Moldova - it's a new journey in my life.
- Which stage of your career was the most important for you?
- All stages are equally important. Every club I have played for has given me something new. I always strive to learn and get better. So for me it doesn't matter which club was “better” - I appreciate every team for its contribution to my development.
- How has the experience of playing in different countries helped you grow as a goalkeeper?
- These experiences have been incredibly important. Playing overseas taught me how to adapt, take on challenges and get used to new environments quickly. It's not only professional, but also personal growth.
- You were called up to the Slovenian national under-21 team. What are your memories from that stage?
- It was a special period of my career. It was a great honor to represent my country. Memories of those matches make me smile.
- Do you think that playing for FC Sheriff can help you return to the national team?
- I hope so. Of course, the place of the main goalkeeper of Slovenia is occupied by Jan Oblak, and it is not easy to replace him (laughs). But I want to show my abilities at Sheriff and help the team. This could be a step towards a return to the national team.
- How would you describe your style of play as a goalkeeper?
- The main thing for me is dialog with the defenders. An organized defense minimizes the opponent's chances. I try to be reliable in one-on-one play and parry difficult shots. But the main thing is not to talk about myself, but to show it on the pitch.
- What do you expect from the work with the team's defenders?
- I am confident that we will be able to organize a well-coordinated game in defense. Our goal is to concede as little as possible and, of course, to win. We will work on it every day.
- You were born in Ljubljana. What do you value most in your country?
- People. Slovenians are kind, friendly and always ready to help. We have incredibly beautiful nature: mountains, coastline, cities. Slovenia is small but very cozy. I invite everyone to visit my homeland.
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- I am a family man. I like to spend time with loved ones, read books, watch movies. Simple, measured rest.
- What goals have you set for yourself for the upcoming season?
- I want to show my best qualities and help the team to achieve success: to win the championship, the Super Cup and to perform successfully in European cups. The main thing for me is the success of the club. I hope that together with the fans we can achieve it.
FC Sheriff press service
- Emil, congratulations on your transfer to FC Sheriff! What are your first impressions of the club and the team?
- Thank you very much! I am very happy and proud to be part of the most titled club in Moldova. The first impression is great - I saw how big this club is with a great infrastructure. Earlier, when I first got the offer, I was looking for information about the club. Many of my friends, for example Miral Samardzic, who was the captain of the Yellow-Blacks, told me a lot of good things about the club, the city, the people and the fans. This helped me to make a decision - I said “yes” and gladly accepted this new challenge.
- What attracted you to the Moldovan championship and FC Sheriff?
- First of all, the club itself. I heard about its successes in European cups, including the victory at the Santiago Bernabeu. This was a key moment. I want to help the team reach new heights, win the championship, the Super Cup and qualify for the European Cup.
- You started your career in Slovenia and then played in Belgium, Greece and Bosnia. How do the championships of these countries differ?
- Each championship is unique, with peculiarities of its soccer. But everywhere I enjoyed the atmosphere of the game. It was a valuable experience that helped me grow as a player and a person. Now I'm looking forward to playing in Moldova - it's a new journey in my life.
- Which stage of your career was the most important for you?
- All stages are equally important. Every club I have played for has given me something new. I always strive to learn and get better. So for me it doesn't matter which club was “better” - I appreciate every team for its contribution to my development.
- How has the experience of playing in different countries helped you grow as a goalkeeper?
- These experiences have been incredibly important. Playing overseas taught me how to adapt, take on challenges and get used to new environments quickly. It's not only professional, but also personal growth.
- You were called up to the Slovenian national under-21 team. What are your memories from that stage?
- It was a special period of my career. It was a great honor to represent my country. Memories of those matches make me smile.
- Do you think that playing for FC Sheriff can help you return to the national team?
- I hope so. Of course, the place of the main goalkeeper of Slovenia is occupied by Jan Oblak, and it is not easy to replace him (laughs). But I want to show my abilities at Sheriff and help the team. This could be a step towards a return to the national team.
- How would you describe your style of play as a goalkeeper?
- The main thing for me is dialog with the defenders. An organized defense minimizes the opponent's chances. I try to be reliable in one-on-one play and parry difficult shots. But the main thing is not to talk about myself, but to show it on the pitch.
- What do you expect from the work with the team's defenders?
- I am confident that we will be able to organize a well-coordinated game in defense. Our goal is to concede as little as possible and, of course, to win. We will work on it every day.
- You were born in Ljubljana. What do you value most in your country?
- People. Slovenians are kind, friendly and always ready to help. We have incredibly beautiful nature: mountains, coastline, cities. Slovenia is small but very cozy. I invite everyone to visit my homeland.
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- I am a family man. I like to spend time with loved ones, read books, watch movies. Simple, measured rest.
- What goals have you set for yourself for the upcoming season?
- I want to show my best qualities and help the team to achieve success: to win the championship, the Super Cup and to perform successfully in European cups. The main thing for me is the success of the club. I hope that together with the fans we can achieve it.
FC Sheriff press service