Aleksandar Lutovac on his new role and more

Patizan boss Savo Milosevic made number of changes at the back after poor performance away to Novi Pazar.

23-year old winger Aleksandar Lutovac played SSL round 3 game against Javor as a right-back, replacing regular Nemanja Miletic. We spoke to Lutovac on his new role and other team matters.

Boss Savo Milosevic made three defensive changes for a Javor game. How hard it was for you all to work together since this was not the regular line-up at the back?

-It was quite hard since four of us at the back never played together and had only a couple of training sessions to work it out. But, I think we played rather well providing safety for our attackers who constantly threatened Javor net. I believe we were all so eager not to concede and I`m glad we managed to keep a clean sheet. This is the kind of desire we need to have as Partizan players at each and every game.

Savo Milosevic and most of the players seemed ashamed of Novi Pazar away performance?

-I honestly believe everyone at the club was disappointed after Novi Pazar match and I believe we were all part of it, even us who didn`t play it. Unfortunately, that game was a learning curve, for us to understand we should never again enter the game and behave on the pith as we did there. It`s good that this match is behind us now and we should look forward exclusively, making sure such afternoon never happens again.

You are right winger but you proved natural at the right-back position. But you worked on it during summer preps and told us you are aware what needs to be fixed for you to take on the new role.

-I work on my right-back role for eight or nine months now and I try to advance as much as I can. Coaching staff helped me a lot during training sessions and I needed to change my attacking attitude. I learn a lot from my teammates too and I think I can do much better down the right flank. I also believe I lack continuity – something you really need if you want to move forward. However, I`m pleased to be on the pitch and I`ll try to help our team achieve desired results. I`m thankful for this opportunity given to me in such a tough moment.

Maybe it good that bad things happened so early in the season?

-It`s never good when Partizan drops points. We are one of the top clubs around and we cannot allow certain things to happen. But, I`m sure Novi Pazar game was a wake-up call and we will need to be more focused and motivated in the future. It`s a shame we had to pay the price but we will make it up if we keep moving forward.

Long journey and tough away game against Radnik Surdulica follows up next weekend.

-Another tough away game but if we are in the right frame of mind nothing wrong will happen. Pressure is always there and that`s how it should be, it`s a part of the package and that`s good. Partizan aims are always highest and we have to go for a win regardless of the opponent. There are no easy games to win but we`ll do our best to gain more confidence and win all-important points in the future.

Your sister is handball player?

-She is and I`d like to seize this opportunity to wish her luck and congratulate my eldest sister Nikolina on her contract with Merignac Handball handball club from Bordeaux, French top-tier outfit. We are a sports family and we live through our wins and defeats together. I`m thrilled she achieved her aim to play in French top-tier. Although women`s handball is not popular here, I think it`s a big success to have one of our own in top leagues. Their season is starting soon and I`d like to see my sister achieve more success and fine results in all departments.