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Q & A: Slovenia coach Srecko Katanec
Posted: Tuesday April 23, 2002 6:37 PM
What
do you think of the draw?
I'm neither disappointed nor satisfied, because we are outsiders
in any case. Our chances of reaching the second round are small,
whereas Spain, with 10 previous World Cup appearances, are surely
favorites. Paraguay and South Africa have also appeared in past
World Cups. So they have a big advantage from the start. However,
we are used to breaking with tradition, and we'll be there to cause
another surprise. The most important thing is to prepare well, to
play brave football, give our best. Luck can decide a lot of things.
Who
are your key players?
I don't have key players; I don't want to acknowledge such thoughts.
We can manage without anyone, even though some people say we are
too dependent on Zlatko Zahovic's mood. But the most important matches
in the qualifiers were played without Zahovic, and even without
some other regular players. There are no stars in my team, I do
not acknowledge them.
Who
will win the World Cup?
It all comes down to the usual favorites. That means France, Brazil,
Italy, Argentina and Germany. They possess more than 20 players
with the same qualities and won't be disturbed by injuries or suspensions.
Experience is also of utmost importance in the World Cup, and the
strongest teams possess it.
Who
will be the surprises?
I don't believe there'll be any. Many predict that Portugal might
be, but I doubt it. They're not a well-balanced team. They have
six or seven great players but they have weak defenders.
Will
the conditions affect you?
No. I would actually claim that the conditions could be ideal: temperatures
of about 20 degrees and humidity of about 60 to 70 per cent. We
will depart for the Far East 13 days before the start of the competition;
that's just enough time to acclimatize.
Will
you be a better team than at Euro 2000?
Euro 2000 was two years ago, and that's history for me. In football,
even seven days is a long time. We cannot let ourselves rely on
memories from Belgium and Holland. Besides, it should be mentioned
that most of our players do not play regularly for their clubs.
Are
you concerned about their lack of match practice?
Yes, a lot. There's a big difference between playing regularly and
sitting on the bench. However, the most important thing is that
my players arrive fit. Then I'm pretty sure we'll prepare well.
I also know that everyone will be motivated, and that's also important.
How
will you select your final squad?
I need 23 players, and each one of them must be able to play; that
means I do not take anyone just because of his past merits. Because
I expect that Slovenia won't play more than three or four matches,
23 players is more than I need. The World Cup is not for learning,
but to show what you already know.
Is
Zlatko Zahovic the brightest star in Slovenian football?
A lot of people see him like that, but I don't accept it. I have
spoken with him and we have settled everything. That means Zahovic
must do his bit for the team. A big advantage for me is that we
eliminated Romania (in the playoffs) without Zahovic. I have experience.
I competed (for Yugoslavia) in the 1990 World Cup and 1984 European
Championship, as well as two Olympics. I know that allegiance to
individual players does not result in good relationships.
How
have the team progressed under your guidance? And will you carry
on after the World Cup?
I haven't made a decision yet; I will deal with that question after
the World Cup. I have done a lot to improve this team's self-respect,
I've taught players how to respect themselves, and not to underestimate
others. I have made them believe that they can compete with anyone,
even the strongest.
From World Soccer magazine.
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