Eintracht Frankfurt
·15 July 2024
Eintracht Frankfurt
·15 July 2024
Igor Matanovic on his return to Frankfurt, his role, his “Balkan mentality” and how much he “loves wearing the eagle on my chest”.
… pre-season preparations: “I’m incredibly happy to be back in Frankfurt [after spending the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Karlsruher SC]. I’m looking forward to the team, the friendlies and the training camp. Personally, I feel like I’m coming home. I already got a taste of the power and energy of the club in the lead-up to last season, even if it was only in friendlies. Even then, I loved and appreciated wearing the eagle on my chest.”
… his development in Karlsruhe: “Self-confidence is a big thing. More than anything, though, I made a huge step towards senior football at KSC. I played 32 games, which did me a lot of good. Playing the whole 90 minutes from time to time is very important for young players.”
… his role: “I’ll be part of the squad, which is something I really appreciate. With good performances in training and in friendlies, I want to return the favour and put myself in contention for [further] appearances. The coach expects me to adapt quickly to this higher level, which has gone very well in my first week [back]. Whether I play in games or not, I’ll always give everything for the team.”
… his strengths: “Bringing physicality and power to our attack. It’s my job to score goals – I was born hungry for goals. But I need to be there for the lads too – getting on the end of crosses into the box but also asserting myself in tight spaces and laying the ball off. I’ve come a long way in that regard over the past year and I’ve learned a lot. I also want to add a little Balkan mentality, which is something they’ve had here in the past. I’ll always leave my heart on the pitch.”
… representing Croatia: “I made the decision two or three years ago, and it wasn’t an easy one. I owe a lot to Germany. I was born here, I grew up here and I went to school here. My parents were taken in here as refugees. I know how much Germany has done for us. In the end, it was a decision that came from the heart.”
… his role models: “Two names quickly spring to mind: Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mario Mandzukic – I copy a lot from them.”
… wanting to become a professional footballer: “It was always my goal. Even as a four or five-year-old, I was breaking vases in our apartment. My love for football has never changed. I was able to turn my passion into a career, which is a privilege and something I value a great deal.”