Matevž Potočnik led Olimpija’s cadets to the throne: “Nobody but the team itself believed we could even think about the title”

Published on 9. June 2024 9. June 2024

Photo: NK Olimpija Ljubljana

In recent weeks and months, we have reported a lot about the battles of young footballers, with the latter being the focus of our writing. So teenagers and aspiring boys who dream of playing on the big stage someday. We write very little, too little, about the youth, but Football Planet is a website where they actually have their place in the sun, and they will continue to have it. This time we touched on the tense battle for the title of national champion in the cadet championship and invited an expert to the microphone, who ultimately won the fight for the trophy. Matevž Potočnik has signed his name under the success that practically Olimpija doesn’t remember. For more than 20 years, they’ve been waiting for a title in the cadet category in Ljubljana, and they finally succeeded only in the last match of the 2023/24 season.

Olimpija, in the Bežigrad Jam stadium, resisted the pressure in an excellent atmosphere in front of a Premier League number of spectators, drew with Celje, and triumphed. The footballers proved that there is exceptional potential in their feet, and Matevž Potočnik has already proven himself to be one of the most promising experts in Slovenian football despite his youth.

A few sleepless nights have passed, what are the feelings after an almost historic success? We all know that Olimpija hasn’t been a cadet champion for more than two decades.

The feelings are still very good, but that initial euphoria is, of course, behind us. More or less, the title can serve as a kind of confirmation that both the coaching staff and, of course, the footballers have done something right.

The battle for the title was really tense, in your opinion, what ultimately tipped the scales in your favor?

The championship was really good, tense, exciting. Seven rounds before the end, we were in fourth place in the league table, and practically no one except the team itself believed that we could even think about the title. I think camaraderie and dedication of the boys ultimately tipped the scales. They were a real team and fought hard every game from the first to the last minute. Also very important were the boys who got more opportunities only after numerous injuries, and they all seized the opportunity with both hands.

Matevž Potočnik — Photo source: NK Olimpija Ljubljana

The last match with Celje was like the grand finale for the champion. Was it difficult to prepare for it? How did the boys perceive it?

We practically didn’t change anything before the last match. We slightly lowered the intensity in training in the last week. Tactically, we prepared very well for practically all the opponents at the top of the table. There was no need for additional motivation against them since the boys are very fired up before such matches. We focused more on motivation in matches against ‘easier’ opponents.

There were also Dragons and many other spectators at the match. When it’s like that, it’s much easier to play, isn’t it?

Firstly, I would like to thank the Green Dragons once again for such a great event. Because of them, that day was even more special. But I wouldn’t agree that it was easier, as it was actually the first such experience for the boys and ultimately for me as well. At times, we all got a little carried away. But of course, that’s the price of youth and inexperience.

You led a very talented generation of boys, who experts predict have a bright future. Do you agree with that?

I definitely agree. Some boys show tremendous potential. But what separates them from thinking about success is still a lot of work, disappointments, failures, and sacrifices.

What are the biggest challenges of working with such young footballers? It’s probably both professional and pedagogical work?

Because I’m young myself, I’m 25, I might be able to relate to them a bit more and, even though many think it’s not right, sometimes be more lenient with them. It’s important to realize that besides football, the boys have many other obligations, and expecting them to be one hundred percent every day is pointless. When working with young people, you primarily need a good sense of what, to whom, and when. No two boys are the same. But this diversity made us better and better. When we felt each other and learned how each individual responds to praise or criticism. As for the professional work with young people, it might be a bit easier than it seems at first glance since they’re interested in everything and like to learn. But in the end, it all depends on the individual. How quickly they understand and in what way they understand best. One understands everything you tell them, the other needs three analyses, and the third will never understand.

What’s next? What will be the challenges and expectations for the next season?

I’m not thinking too far ahead. Currently, I have a contract with Olimpija and am preparing for the new season. I want to get better every day, and so far, I’ve learned a lot while working with Olimpija.