Would Josip Iličić be able to set the mood in the national team? Kek emphasized: “If I were afraid of that, then I wouldn’t have any business being in the role of the coach”
Photo: Vid Ponikvar / Sportida
When Matjaž Kek revealed the extended list of footballers for the Euro 2024, undoubtedly the most controversy arose with the decision to include Josip Iličić. Many welcomed the return of the veteran, while some were not thrilled about it, and Zlatko Zahović even expressed concern that Josip Iličić’s return to the national team could significantly affect the team’s atmosphere. At the assembly of the national team at Brdo pri Kranju, Matjaž Kek responded to Zahović and explained why he reintroduced the Maribor player back into the national team after almost three years of absence.
“In Slovenian sports, we often talk about how old someone is. Unfortunately, we forget about what is most important: the performance on the field. Josip Iličić performed well on the field during the spring part of the season in the 1st SNL. Some may argue that this is true, but he still played in the Slovenian league. I would answer that Žan Karničnik and Timi Max Elšnik also play in it… And we all know how important they are for the national team,” explained Matjaž Kek in Gorenjska.
Matjaž Kek: “The main thing is that he is healthy”
Regarding Zahović’s words, Matjaž Kek emphasized: “There are no old merits in the national team, and the hierarchy is also clearly established. For Josip Iličić and everyone else. If I were afraid of what some are mentioning and emphasizing, then I wouldn’t have any business being in the role of the coach. Hierarchies cannot be undermined by surprising moves, but it can represent additional quality and unpredictability. Regarding Josip, one more thing: the main thing is that he is healthy. He must earn the rest through training and preparatory matches.”
Matjaž Kek concluded by stating that the most important wish of every footballer is the desire to play and prove themselves in the national team jersey. “I have emphasized several times that Slovenia cannot afford to let anyone slip away, especially someone who wants to play for the national team. Kevin Kampl was honest. He nicely said that his body can no longer handle such demands. I have to accept that. But the basic principle is that a footballer wants to play for the national team. For this crest. Flag. Country,” concluded the 62-year-old Matjaž Kek.
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet
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