A chat with Partizan young gun Ilija Kokir

Last season, youngsters Svetozar Markovic and Armin Djerlek made their mark in the senior team and this time around a lot of expected from number of Partizan young guns, including left-winger Jovan Kokir.

– It`s always a great feeling when you are part of the senior team and I`m more than honoured to be here. These are second preps with the seniors although I joined the team on several occasions during the season as well. Therefore, I understand the way things work here and what the coach wants from the team. Last time around it was all new to me, now I hope I`ll move a step forward, says Kokir.

Last season, youngsters Markovic and Djerlek played a significant part, so a lot is expected from youth team newcomers all the time. Do you feel pressure or not?

– I don`t feel any special pressure as there`s pressure in Partizan every day. You always have to work hard and win and I graduated from Partizan youths so I`m used to it all and I`m ready for it. Markovic and Djerlek are mates of mine and they advice me a lot. Most notably, they told me to enjoy my free role and just play my football game.

You had a fine season with Partizan youths, one that led to you joining the seniors now.

– This was my boyhood dream and this is what my whole family dreamt about, as we are all Partizan fans. I would love to see more quality Partizan youths joining in, like Zlatan Sehovic, Vlalukin or Strahinja Pavlovic.

You got to know coach Djukic already.

– He is a top coach with lots of playing and coaching experience. I think his football philosophy suits Partizan and we looked good in Europe and won the national cup as well. Shame we failed to win the title but we will make amends. He loves working with youngsters and we can learn a lot from him. It`s a great atmosphere within the squad and we are led by living legend Sasa ilic, I`m so happy he extended his contract. All teammates are great and they all try to help us starting from Vulicevic and all the way to Tosic and Ostojic. Their support means a lot to young players and I`d like to thank them for it.