MATIC FOR TELEGRAF: About his first days in Manchester United, he wants to finish his career in Red Star and "drawing the line" at the end of qualifications (PHOTO)
Serbian midfielder spoke for our portal about matches with Moldova and Ireland, Nemanja Vidic, the Red Star chances against Arsenal, but also about boy's dream when it comes to Red and Whites
Smiling and full of confidence, but also hungry for success, Nemanja Matic came to the gathering of Serbia's football team!
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And why not, when he has a phenomenal beginning of the career in Manchester United jersey. He is a central theme of British media who think of him as one of the best reinforcements in this transfer period.
Matic was at the three opening matches of the Premier League, plus the Super Cup of Europe, and he simply delighted Jose Mourinho, his teammates, the public, the audience ... He amazed them all with his great games. Of course, the entire football Serbia who expect victories from our midfielder on the World championship in Russia.
- The praises of the media are certainly appealing. I think I am experienced enough and I have a lot of games behind me to know what I should do. The praise is welcome, of course, and criticism if necessary - Matic started the story for TELEGRAF.
Just like Matic, most of the representatives came to this gathering after great games for their clubs. The fans are most interested if they can carry the same games from their clubs to the national team against Moldova and Ireland. The system is different...
- Football is a simple game, of course, if you know how. And I am certain that all players in the national team know what is their task. The things coach is asking from all of us. Especially since we play this system in the national team from the start - Matic was clear.
The first match is on September 2 against Moldova and the public is already counting on three points.
- That is normal to expect after all the games we played so far, as well after the game we had in Moldova. We assumed that the public will already count three points, but each team has chances for victory. The match lasts 90 minutes, football is exciting because of that uncertainty. You can attack the entire match, waste a lot of chances and be punished. But, we are hoping that it won't be the case and that we will be well focused - said United midfielder, and then he talked about the change of the stadium.
- I don't believe that it will be a problem. I have heard that Red Star stadium is in really bad condition and that it is better to play on the field which will provide us a better game. I hope that the fans will come as much as possible to beat Moldova easier.
The Eagles are going to Ireland on 5th September. They are playing probably the most important game of the qualification. The win will certainly take them to the World Cup, a tie will get us closer to the Mundial as well.
- First to finish up with Moldova, and then we will think about Ireland. We certainly won't go for the tie, because we go every game to the win. However, we will see what are our possibilities. The most important thing is, when the qualifications are over and when we draw the line, to go to Russia. With a tie or a win, or any other score - I don't care! We have to be pleased because we are sharing the first place in the group 4 rounds till the end. If someone offered this to us before, we would have certainly taken it. We, the public, our fans. Especially after all of those former qualifications. You know yourself what all happened.
The entire situation seems ideal at the moment. With Serbia charging towards Russia, while he is first with United after 3 rounds. Without a received goal. Everything looks like the Red Devils will remain in the first place after the 38th round.
- God, I hope so. There will be a lot of difficult games during the season. Around five, six clubs have real hopes that they can win the title. We will see how much we can do. About the main opponents, Chelsey was the champion twice in two years. They have a lot of quality players. They are one of the favorites, but Tottenham is playing very well. As well as Liverpool. Arsenal and Manchester City received new players, Citizens bought a lot of players. The season is long and there will be some strange results. We can't forget the other teams I didn't mention. Anyone can win - Matic is honest.
However, everything was not so ideal during the summer. Serbian midfielder was "In the Middle of Nowhere". United waited for him, Chelsey wasn't giving him. We were interested what was going on?
- I am not allowed to talk about all of the detail. I can only say that it has been my great desire to go to United and I am glad that everything ended that way - started Matic and continued:
- It wasn't pleasant when I remained "alone" during the summer. To train alone or with a team is certainly not the same. I didn't come to United ready, but slowly. I joined the first team of August 1st, on my birthday. I have been training really hard from that day, I practice with condition trainer to be ready as soon as possible and to get back into shape. Everything is going well and I will be better and better from game to game.
The fate wanted my debut in United jersey to be against the great Real, current champion of Europe.
- The game was really great, they are the best team in Europe in the last two years. They are a phenomenal team, very well technically skilled. It was very hard, but I am really happy to have my first match in United jersey against Real.
He revealed what was the first thing that caught his eye when he appeared in the Manchester training center.
- I was fascinated by the fact that people are so connected with the club. From the chef, through the people who maintain the field ... Everyone breathes for the club. You can feel the atmosphere as soon as you enter the training center and that is something I will remember for the rest of my life - admits Matic, and adds:
- The fact is that Nemanja Vidic left a deep mark in United is just an additional motive for me. His name is said with respect and I want to do the same what he did there. I will give my best not to disgrace him.
Coming from London to Manchester didn't "change" Matic's life much.
- There is no difference for me, wherever I played. It is known that this is my life, and this is my work. One difference is that I will just have to change my house, everything else is the same. It is important for the family to find a good school for children, which we did. We are simply continuing with the same pace. As far as working in Chelsey and United, everything depends on the coach.
And Mourinho's work means just one thing - attacking every trophy available! They won three last season and one of them was Europa league, and now the Portuguese will try to attack the Champions league with his team.
The balls were in favor of the United during the draw and the English club should not have problems in group A.
- The group is good. CSKA, Basel, and Benfica are really strong teams. They perhaps don't have such a famous names like other groups. But believe me, I played two and a half years for Benfica and winning on that stadium is really difficult. That is a great team Basel is also very tricky. They have been playing in Champions League for years, just like CSKA. You know that for yourself. That is a big Russian team. It is hard to guess how will all end, but all four teams have enough European experience - Matic said.
When it comes to groups. Red Star has drawn Arsenal in Europa league. The fans are interested the most if Red and Whites can at least take few points from them.
- Of course! They sure can. I have watched Red Star against Krasnodar in Russia and second half in Belgrade. I think that if they c0ntinue fighting one for another, to stay compact, to defend with all 11 players if necessary... Well, just to continue at the same pace. Coach Milojevic knows what he is doing. Red Star certainly has a chance against Arsenal. To get all three points, not just one. Of course, if they continue playing like this. And I hope they will - Matic said.
For the end of the conversation, Matic commented for Telegraf that there is a possibility to finish his career in Red Star.
- It was a dream for me to start and to end my career in Red Star. I spent 5 years there, but I never had the opportunity to accomplish my dream and to make my appearance for the first team. Life has taken me to the other side. Now when the years have gone by, I don't have that great desire for it - Serbian midfielder is honest.
(Telegraf.co.uk / Mario Maric)