Youth team coach Anton Žlogar is convinced that the Eon NextGen League is a bull’s-eye: It’s evident that the youth are now more competitive

Published on 14. December 2023 14. December 2023

Photo: B4Sports

Football year 2023 is slowly but steadily concluding in Slovenia. A portion of the premier league teams has already taken a well-deserved break. Even earlier, the players participating in the Eon NextGen league stashed their cleats away for some time. This season marks the first run of the league under the modified rules of the Slovenian Football Association (NZS), a move that has struck a chord, according to Anton Žlogar.

As the former Primorje footballer, Žlogar keenly follows the developments in the Eon NextGen league, being the head coach of the Slovenian U-21 national team, which this year advanced to the second round of qualifiers for the upcoming European Championship.

“Undoubtedly, it’s a very, very positive thing that has brought forth many benefits. Especially in the area where it’s toughest for the youngsters – making the leap from the youth level to the senior stage. The league is more competitive and receives better media coverage. It’s excellent that older players by a year can still play with younger colleagues, ensuring they don’t lose playing time towards the culmination of their football development. It’s essential for the boys to play – whether for those who are too old and haven’t yet received proper opportunities at the senior level or those who, for example, have been injured and need time to recover,” stated Anton Žlogar in an interview with Metropolitan.

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The expert from Izola, once a Slovenian national team player himself, also touched upon the increased media exposure: “This gives the players more recognition and, ultimately, authority. It serves as excellent preparation for senior football, which is ruthless. There isn’t much time available for adaptation in the senior stage, so it’s important for the footballers to face and understand everything that follows from a young age. The Slovenian Football Association is making efforts to ensure the key transition for young footballers is as smooth as possible, and that as a country, we don’t lose too many players. The fact is that some in the past, upon arriving at the senior level, gave up on football or only played it at an amateur level. These changes deserve praise, and the first half of the season in the revamped Eon NextGen league has shown that things are heading in the right direction. The league, undoubtedly a step in the right direction, is competitive and balanced, featuring promising players. Their ability to showcase themselves in live broadcasts adds further excitement to it all.”

Anton Žlogar added that the changes are already noticeable in his work as the U-21 national team coach: “Regarding the U-21 national team, it’s a fact that numerous boys wearing its jersey are already playing at the senior level. However, not all of them, and it’s evident this season that those competing in challenging matches in the youth league have significantly improved. The changes have bridged the gap between the youth league and the senior stage, and the resulting consequences have been positive. In the last qualifying action, we played against peers from Belgium, Ireland, and Albania, and I must admit that all the boys were more than competitive. Therefore, I welcome the changes; they were more than welcome.”