Interview with Mislav Andelkovic

by Ayrton Galea - 23rd January 2016

Midfielder Mislav Andelkovic had an outstanding performance in his debut with our Club in last Wednesday's 1-0 victory, where he also contributed to the winning goal by serving the pass to Camenzuli. For this week's interview, we talked with the twenty-seven year old midfielder.

The Croatian midfielder, usually preferring a defensive role, played for two top division clubs in Croatia, Istra 1961 and the famous Hajduk Split, before moving to the top Slovenian League to join Koper FC in the 2015 Summer Transfer Market.

He certainly left a good impression is his debut, with our Club when forming part of the midfield trio with Sciberras and Agius, Andelkovic dictated the game in midfield with his hard-working abilities and precise passes.

1. Who is Mislav Andelkovic?

My name is Mislav, I am twenty-seven years old and I am a regular guy who likes to play football.

2. How do you spend your weekdays and how do you spend your weekends?

When I'm not training, I usually spend my days with my girlfriend and our little dog, usually taking walks together. On the other hand, weekends are workdays for us, so I spend them on the pitch with my teammates.

3. What are your main hobbies besides football?

I like to play Playstation, playing with my dog, solving crossword puzzles, watching movies and reading books.

4. Do you follow international football? If yes, which is your favourite nation when it comes to football, and which is your favourite club?

Of course. I like most the English Premier League, but my favourite Club is Real Madrid.

5. What is your biggest fear on the pitch?

My biggest fear on the pitch is getting injured. That is the biggest fear for all athletes.

6. Can you tell us a bit about your experiences before joining our Club?

Before joining Birkirkara, I was playing in my home country Croatia for nine years. I spent seven years with Istra as a captain of the team and another two years with Hajduk Split. With Hajduk, I had great European experiences and we almost got through in the Group Stage of UEFA Europa League only to lose against future finalist Dnipropetrovsk. After Hajduk, there was a short period with FC Koper.

7. Did you ever imagine you would be playing in Malta? What is your impression of Malta?

You never know what life is going to give to you so I was open minded for playing wherever life takes me. About Malta, I can tell only good things for now. I have heard already how beautiful country it was and now I have seen that with my own eyes.

8. Why did you join your Club?

Birkirkara is one of the biggest clubs in Malta. It is also a club with big recent history and tradition. I knew I wouldn't be making a mistake by signing with this club. It is a club with a clear vision for the future and I hope I will contribute with my performances..

9. Where is your preferred position?

For my whole career I have played as a central and also defensive midfielder. So these are my preferred positions.

10. Following the second week with our Club, how are you feeling? Have you settled in?

It has been a great two weeks for now. I would like to say thanks to everyone who I met in these past days. From the committee, to the people who are around the club, to coaches and professional technical staff and last but not least to my teammates who welcomed me and took me in their family to become one of them.

11. How is the atmosphere in the dressing room?

Atmosphere is great. Mainly it is a working and very professional atmosphere but at the end of training there is a time for relaxing and jokes. All I can say is that this is a great group of people and it is a pleasure playing with them.

12. The team registered an important win on Wednesday. What are your comments about the match? In your opinion, what went, right and what could improve? Are you satisfied with the general performance?

It was a good victory for the team, for the club and for the supporters, not only as a result but also as a big injection of motivation to go forward in this season. We played well and we deserved it. There is always space to improve and we are looking to be better in every match to come.

13. What are your comments about your debut? Are you happy with your performance?

I am very happy about the debut, and how it finished. It couldn't be better. First match and immediately it was against our biggest rivals. I am satisfied with my performance but like I said in previous answer, there is always a space to play better as a team and also as an individual.

14. What are the Club's targets and what are your personal targets?

The club targets are to be competitive, to win in every match and we will see where it would get us. It would be great to win it all. So targets are League, FA Tropy and to make an impact in UEFA competitions.

15. Do you have a message for the supporters?

To be like they are for this whole time. Like husband and wife where they will be there for each other in good and also in bad moments. And the team will repay them with effort. That is all that matters. Together we are stronger!

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