Josip Iličić hasn’t ruled out the national team, and Matjaž Kek responds: “We can’t forget or give up on anyone, but…”
Photo: Grega Valančič / Sportida
Josip Iličić, who is experiencing a renaissance at Maribor, recently admitted sincerely: he wants to return to the Slovenian national team. Or, to put it differently; he has not written off the national team despite all the difficulties he has faced. He also has Euro 2024 in mind, but he is aware that he is not the one making the decisions. The decisions are, of course, made by Matjaž Kek, who spoke about Iličić at today’s press conference announcing the squad for the matches against Malta and Portugal.
“I am very happy that he is coming back and he looks better on the field with each game. He has given a lot to the national team. The national team is the pinnacle for a player. It is clear that the small size of Slovenia and our player base does not allow us to reject or forget anyone. I remain firm that this will not happen. Of course, you cannot have 12 forwards and two defenders. I am certainly pleased that after all the troubles he has had, he is playing better with each game. But there are no special messages, nothing special. Generally, I count on everyone who has the opportunity to play for the national team, from the first to the last,” said Matjaž Kek, who this time “renounced” Luka Zahović, but the inform Tomi Horvat received a call-up on the club scene.
As for Josip Iličić, the 36-year-old footballer last played for Slovenia in 2021, and he has worn the national team jersey 79 times in total. He scored 16 goals.
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet
National Team
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