Ozegovic: I would swap all my goals this season for a derby win

Partizan lost to bitter rival Crvena Zvezda 2-1 in a 157^th edition of Belgrade`s Eternal Derby. Partizan consolation goal was scored by forward Ognjen Ozegovic from the spot deep into injury time. We spoke to Ozegovic after the game:

– Our game opening was poor, there was no passing game from us while Crvena Zvezda pressed in midfield and seized on our mistakes. Someone might say they had more desire to win but I swear on my life all Partizan players had a huge desire to win it. Simply, unfortunate circumstances in the opening 20 mins made it hard for us to pick up afterwards. Our second half performance was more like it, says Ozegovic.

Sadly, there was trouble on the stands again.

– It happened when we played well and pushed forward. But, the game was stopped too many times due to foul play or troubles on the stands.

It`s clear you matured a lot on and off the pitch recently.

– I`m not a kid anymore and that reflects on my behavior on and off the pitch. Each Partizan game means a lot to me and I learn my lessons along the way. Moreover, the whole environment around me helps me grow.

You scored from the spot late in the game but Tosic was unlucky to open the scoring for Partizan twice previously.

– I won two penalty-kicks in last two derbies. Unfortunately, this one means nothing to me. Tosic strikes were great but lady luck was not on his side. In a way, we didn`t deserve it. It`s bad Tosic didn`t play from the start as his experience in such a tense game means a lot to us. I would swap all my goals this season for a derby win.

Partizan is playing cup semi against Cukaricki on Wednesday.

– We need to recover and battle for the cup trophy as well as to try and win all remaining league games.

Centre-back Nemanja Miletic on derby game:

– We defeated ourselves! Our game entry was poor and we were all below our level, starting from myself. We looked better after the break but it was too late as rival`s two goals took its toll. They knew how to defend their lead. I find it hard now but we cannot go back in time and mourning doesn`t help. As hard as it is, we need to turn to Cukaricki cup game and get closer to winning cup trophy.