Josip Iličić is increasingly resembling the footballer adored by millions worldwide: “His issue was physical fitness”
Photo: Žan Pak
Ever since his return home, he has been the target of sharp criticism. They say his time has passed. They claim he is simply not at the appropriate level anymore. They suggest it would be best if he retired. However, Josip Iličić, at the beginning of the new year, proves that he can still be, in a way, the old good Jojo. In other words, a footballer adored by millions worldwide.
The 36-year-old virtuoso from Gorenjska has scored in all three matches for Maribor this year. He shone against Aluminij, scored an exceptional goal against Mura, and found the net against Bravo. Josip Iličić is impressing again, and Ante Šimundža emphasizes that he is not surprised. Maribor’s coach says the former national team player just needed his time. And apparently, someone to trust…
“That’s his quality, which was synonymous with him in previous years. If someone doesn’t know that, they don’t understand things well. The problem was physical preparedness, and now he has reached a level where he can play for 90 minutes and showcase his qualities,” emphasized Ante Šimundža after the 2-1 victory over Ljubljana opponents.
Regarding the player who spent the golden years of his career in Serie A, Maribor’s coach added: “My view on this is that he has adapted to Slovenian football, Slovenian referees, Slovenian players. This is something very important in mental preparation. Josip doesn’t play alone; he has players around him who enable him to do certain things. He collaborates better with them, and that’s the connection through which he can show his quality. Soudani, Jakupović, the young Lorbek, we have a team where he starts to enjoy. What is very important to me is that he also starts to enjoy the defensive phase.“
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet
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