FCS star Kurtic: “The numbers are clear”

"The biggest mistake we can make now is to put ourselves under a lot of pressure after just 7 rounds," said the 35-year-old Slovenian. Working on the mistakes: Yes. Getting nervous: No. FCS midfielder Kurtic sees no reason to get upset after the 4th defeat in the last 5 games. "The numbers are clear, we need to be more focused and attentive. Nevertheless, the recent setbacks must not deter us from our path," stressed the European Championship participant.

"I have experienced situations like this many times. We don't need to worry about it. It just makes everything more complicated. Of course, 4 defeats in 5 games are too many. But if we look at the performance, the results will soon be right again," said Kurtic. "There are these phases in a season when the ball always falls in the right direction for the opponent. That's what happened to Reggiana against us," said the Slovenian team player, recalling the FCS's 3-1 away win in Reggio Emilia, the last three points before the two defeats against Sampdoria and Palermo. "Now we need to get the momentum back on our side. And I'm sure we'll succeed if we keep working like this and correct certain mistakes."

Kurtic defends Valente Kurtic cannot understand criticism of coach Federico Valente. "The coach is not to blame," emphasised the Slovenian. "We are on the pitch. The coach is doing a great job, the harmony between team and coach is unique, the respect he shows us players is something I have never experienced in my career."

Jasmin Kurtic defended his coach. © DLife/LO

Captain Fabian Tait once said of Kurtic that before the Slovenian's arrival, FCS was like a handkerchief lying on the ground. "Then Kurtic came and picked it up," grinned the FCS record player. "No, no - it wasn't like that," replied Kurtic. "Fabian is great. I came to help. Everyone did their part."

Kurtic knew that he wanted to stay at FC Südtirol "after just one week" of arriving. "I like it here, the club is working in the right direction, the environment is ideal, I have great teammates, we help each other. There were other offers, but FC Südtirol was always my first choice," said Kurtic, who extended his contract until 2025 in the summer. "What comes after that? My job is to train hard and perform to my full potential. Then the club will decide whether they want to keep me," said the European Championship rider.

The EURO as a downer The EURO in Germany was an unforgettable experience for Kurtic, but he had hoped for more playing time. "That's a bitter pill to swallow," said the Slovenian, who only played in the opening match against Denmark (1:1), when he was substituted in injury time. Before that match in Stuttgart, FCS coach Valente visited him in the team hotel. Kurtic was not considered for the matches against Serbia in Munich (1:1) and England in Cologne (0:0), and he also remained on the bench in the round of XNUMX against Portugal in Frankfurt. "I was supposed to be substituted for the penalty shootout, but then our coach saw the red card and nothing more came of it," said Kurtic.

As a reminder: Slovenia's team manager Matjaz Kek was sent off in extra time for complaining when Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty. Later, Benjamin Sesko missed a huge chance to advance when he was alone in front of Portugal's goalkeeper Diogo Costa, before the Portuguese goalkeeper became the match winner by saving three penalties in the penalty shootout and ending Slovenia's European Championship fairytale.

Kurtic's national team career, however, continues, having been nominated again for the upcoming Nations League matches in Norway (October 10) and Kazakhstan (October 13). Despite being less considered for the European Championship, his relationship with team boss Kek is still "very good," Kurtic stressed. He is 6 international matches away from reaching the 8 mark, and XNUMX to equal Bostjan Cesar's record. "That's not a big issue for me. It's much more important that I'm fit and perform when I'm needed. My right knee is no longer causing any problems, health is the most important thing," said Kurtic, who suffered cartilage damage in his knee last season. "Basically, it's not about how often you play, but how you play."

Kurtic recently met a former national team colleague at the FCS Center when Samir Handanovic played with Inter's U17 team against FC Südtirol. "Handanovic in the past, Jan Oblak now - we've always had outstanding goalkeepers. We also need such exceptional talents outside, as field players," laughed Kurtic. Sesko is well on his way there. "He's a top striker and can get even better. I think it's good that he stayed in Leipzig. He can continue to grow there, a club like Leipzig offers the ideal environment for that."

Serie B Italy	SP	TV	P
1. Sassuolo	17	38:14	40
2. Step on	17	32:16	37
3. Specia	17	27:10	34
4. Cremonese	17	23:19	25
5. Cesena	17	27:24	25
6. Juventus Stabia	17	19:20	25
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FCS star Kurtic: “The numbers are clear”

With 94 international matches and 289 Serie A appearances, he is the most experienced professional in the FCS squad. Jasmin Kurtic knows what he is talking about when he analyses the current situation of FC Südtirol.

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