The disappointing end of the season didn’t take away his confidence – Jan Mlakar: Slovenia isn’t going to Germany for a stroll. It has proven that it can go for results!

Published on 31. May 2024 31. May 2024

Photo: Vid Ponikvar / Sportida

On Wednesday, the preparations for Euro 2024 officially began for the Slovenian national team, which is facing its first appearance in a major tournament in 14 years. Back then, Jan Mlakar was not even ten years old… But those were the years when he experienced firsthand what it’s like when a country is caught up in the euphoria of a football championship.

A decade and a half later, Jan Mlakar is now preparing to actively participate in the spectacle. The striker for the Italian club Pisa played an important role in the European Championship qualifiers; he became what Rudonja was to Katanec once, or Kirm to Kek in his first term. So, a player who may not stand out from game to game and may not play the most visible role, but has everything coaches (especially Kek…) love. Therefore, the right approach, diligence in training, professionalism at the highest level.

All this describes Jan Mlakar, who had a modest end to the club season. He played very little in Serie B. Many might fear that he will miss out on Euro 2024 because of this. Can the Ljubljana native as well? We’ll see what Matjaž Kek decides, who will have to cut four players… Despite everything, Jan Mlakar remains optimistic, and considering how much Kek trusts “his warriors,” it really seems that the former member of Hajduk Split is not one of those who are most “on the bubble”…

Jan Mlakar on returning to the national team ahead of Euro 2024 about…

…feelings at the start of preparations for the tournament in Germany:

“We’ve worked hard for many years, always with one thought in mind – to qualify for a major tournament. It would be a shame if we didn’t enjoy the fruits of our labor now. But of course, enjoyment is just one aspect of what awaits us. At the same time, we must roll up our sleeves now and work hard to be as well-prepared as possible for Euro 2024. After all, we’re not just going to Germany for a casual outing. We’re going for the best possible result.”

…opponents:

“It’s a waste of words. Primarily because we are facing three very quality teams, which have top individuals. But I believe we should focus more on ourselves than on our opponents. Such a mindset, that we never burdened ourselves too much with opponents, has also brought us to this point. Of course, I could say a lot more about the opponents. They all play for top clubs, in top leagues. On the other hand, we have collective strength that should not be underestimated. Let the opponents worry more about us than we do about them. Of course, we will analyze them, of course, we will prepare for them. But we need to focus on ourselves; the coach often emphasizes that.”

…goals related to the European Championship:

“We certainly won’t just defend ourselves. We won’t just stand on the field and wait to see what happens. To minimize our losses… Not at all! That doesn’t lead anywhere. After all, even in the last friendly match, we proved that we are competitive regardless of who we’re up against. We can compete with anyone, and we need to approach each game at the Euros with that mentality.”

…possible underestimation by opponents:

“I don’t think anyone will underestimate us anymore. Once you’re at the Euros… Besides, opponents will analyze us just as we will analyze them. They will watch our games and see for themselves that we play well, that we do good things. I would say that no one will allow themselves to underestimate us.”

…the final list of 26 players who will go to Germany:

“I didn’t get the feeling that it was already known who will play and who won’t. There are also many rotations and changes in training… No one is 100% fit, no one should relax. That would be bad. We all have to fight in training, we all have to give our all from session to session. But it’s definitely great that we’ve been together for a long time, that we’ve had many trainings and games behind us. We know each other, and that makes everything much easier.”

…the battle for the jersey with the Euro 2024 patch:

“We are all very competitive. Everyone wants to play. There is healthy competition among us. Everyone wants to start the game, everyone will do everything to play. Of course, within reasonable limits… I would say that’s why we’re such a big team.”

…impatiently counting down to the start of the Euro 2024 mission:

“It wasn’t easy counting down to coming back home. Especially because things didn’t go according to plan for me in the last two months at the club. My thoughts were definitely elsewhere… Now I’m even happier because I’m here. I couldn’t wait for it to really start. I know I wasn’t the only one.”

…club-level issues, where he didn’t play much for Pisa towards the end:

“This was my first season at a new club… I started out okay, played a lot. But after the last international break, I practically didn’t get any real opportunities. It’s hard for me to comment on why, and I don’t want to talk too much about it. But – of course – as soon as the club season ended, my thoughts turned to the national team. It’s important that despite everything, I remained healthy. I trained and maintained my form, so I believe that the poor end to the club season won’t be a big problem. I’m the kind of player that when I’m not playing, I train even harder. And there is still some time until the first game, and I have no doubt that we will all be well prepared.”

…Josip Iličić:

“We all know what kind of player he is. What quality he has, how experienced he is… He also gladly helps and gives advice, and it’s up to us to try to make the most of it. As for Josip, well… I have no words. We all know he can change the course of the game with one move. We can be glad that he is with us.“

This text was automatically translated using AI.

Author: editorial Football Planet