Stanojevic and Jovic after Mura friendly

Partizan played a two-all draw against Slovenian champions Mura. Boss Aleksandar Stanojevic fielded 22 players in total, Stojkovic, Markovic, Bagnack and Brezancic being sidelined as a precaution.

We spoke to Partizan boss after the game:

“We didn`t have a quality reply to home side aggression in the first half. They looked stronger, faster, better in every tackle. We were harmless, there was no ball flow while Mura threatened us with shots from outside the box. We entered the second half in a better fashion. Couple of youngsters brought freshness to our game and it all looked much better. I can be pleased with the second half display. Bazdar had a really good game, Djordjevic was quite comfortable at the back. These lads are 17 or 18 years of age. I`m pleased with Jovic too. This is pre-season, our form will vary. Mura played 3 friendlies already and they are looking to pick the form up now. They are out of the toughest part of pre-season while we are just about to enter such pre-season period. We`ll analyse this match and look at the mistakes we made”, said Stanojevic.

Partizan boss commented Jovic`s volley goal as well:

“He loves to try out volleys during the training sessions. Jovic is a kid enjoying the football game and I can`t take that away from him. Bazdar is a great talent too, he showed a lot today. They are young chaps, we need to let them enjoy a bit but they also have to compete”, said Stanojevic.

Introduction of Natcho just before the hour contributed to better Partizan performance as well. He assisted to Jovic for Partizan equalizer among other things.

“Natcho is what he is – assists, brings calmness to our game, continuation of play, makes quick solutions, plays it quick, speeds our game up…That`s something we were lacking in a first half, we had no options. Mura was fresher and faster while we were slow with slow ball flow and lacking quick solutions”, said Stanojevic.

Stanojevic also talked about current transfer window:

“We are expecting Ricardo. As for the second attacking option, we had long negotiations but it looks like we need to find another solution. We were almost convinced he was going to sign but this is transfer window for you, it took us quite by a surprise. We move on now, there are some interesting players around”, said Stanojevic.

We also spoked to Nemanja Jovic who scored a brace against Mura.

“We were not ourselves in the first half but we changed the things around after the break and I think we played well. I scored a brace and I`m glad I did it. I think Mura had only one opportunity after the break. Zivkovic crossed for my first goal, I took a great volley and scored. Afterwards, Natcho passed the ball to me for an equalizer, I controlled the ball with my right foot and scored with my left”, said Jovic.

Before the summer preps, Jovic was away on international duty but he is not allowing fatigue to get over him.

“I had very little time to rest. We are training really hard here, it`s a bit warmer but you always have to be at your best at Partizan. Mura is an excellent side, very tactical and good defensively. The result was not our priority, we were out for a good run around”, said Jovic.