Attic – Liverpool: Interview with Savic: “The independence of Montenegro was important, but much more than it was peaceful” | Champions League 2019

He started as a handball goalkeeper and at the age of 15 he left Montenegro to play football in Serbia. From there he went to the Premier and Italy before arriving in Madrid, in 2015

The right arm of Stefan savic (Mojkovac, 1991) is guarded by an ink Spartan, next to the motto I am the master of my fate (I am the master of my destiny): If I could choose, I would like to live at least one year at that time. They were fighters and it reflects a lot my way of playing. I never give up. He started protecting a handball goalkeeper in his small hometown, where he returns every summer, and has never lost the almost obsessive passion to defend. Always trying to imitate his intent Alessandro Nesta. Behind his stern face, he always reserves a place for some joke in any of the four languages ​​(English, Italian and Spanish, apart from his own) that looks from his time in the City, Fiorentina and, above all, his five years in Madrid . We never give up, he insists, on the threat of fierce Liverpool.

On the street floats pessimism with the tie. What is the atmosphere in the dressing room?

We don't have that feeling. We have shown in the past that we never give up. We have always competed very well against larger teams. We probably have before the most powerful of the moment, but I don't think they are very calm. They know that we compete very well and that we are a tough opponent for anyone.

The way forward is the match against Juventus, in the first leg of last season?

Yes, it can be an example. We have made many good games against large teams. The comeback this course against Juve herself, when we go 0-2 down on the scoreboard. Or the tie against Bayern, before the final of Miln (2016). We have also left out Barcelona. It will be pretty.

Between Salah, Man or Firmino, who would you rather not play?

If I could choose, none of the three (laughs). They have a very important and dangerous front. But not only them, but also those of the second line. They always arrive at goalkeeper and you have to try to stop them.

He has been in Madrid for five years and speaks Spanish as if he had lived a lifetime. What is your secret?

The truth is that I learned Spanish by listening to people. Without classes or anything. He also spoke Italian (I played three years at Fiorentina) and helped me a lot to learn Spanish. Talking with people every day also helps you. When I don't understand something I get very nervous. It is very important when you arrive in a country to know your language to integrate and that everything is easier.

I was born the same year (1991) that the Balkan War began. Did the conflict affect you a lot?

I don't remember much about that war because it was so small. But I know that when I began to be aware, the tension was felt. Montenegro barely took part, it was the one that participated the least. But people were screwed a long time. Luckily, little by little he is forgetting. The sport has helped many become friends again. That hot environment that was before is already calming down and the important thing is that everything is put in order. We all have to have a good relationship because we are neighbors and we must not look where we came from. The important thing is the people, not the flags.

In 2006, a referendum was held and Montenegro separated from Serbia. Do you live better now?

The independence of the country was important, but the best part was that it was a peaceful separation. Serbia is the country where I made the leap to the elite (Partizn), my mother comes from Serbia and I have family there. I'm glad the separation was quiet.

Do you see any similarity with the situation in Catalua?

I don't have much information, really. Only that situation exists. You won't believe me, but I haven't watched TV for 10 years. I see only some game and that's it.

There is a Slovenian (Oblak), a Croatian (Vrsaljko), a Serbian (Saponjic) and you, Montenegrin. How did it take you?

All right, we only need one from Bosnia (laughs). We are very friends and we always help each other. I try to help people who come from there. Sport should always be above politics.

And Oblak is your best friend in the locker room.

Yes, we understand each other very well from the first day I arrive. We started to be friends and we have been playing together for five years now. See you every day and it is a to which I get along very, very well.

He seems serious in the field, but they say he likes jokes.

Off the field I like to joke, but when you have to be serious, I am very serious. In the field I am a fighter. I always try to stay focused and defend my teammates.

As he did with Joao Flix against Barcelona, ​​in the Super Cup.

Well, it was a special situation. Joao is a young boy and important players like Surez, Messi or Busquets went for him. I went to help and separate him.

Why does the Atlantic suffer so many muscle injuries?

In the last two seasons, we have had no luck with injuries. It is a bit of bad fortune, but also of wear because we always play at the limit. To death. This requires us a little more.

Last year he had a strong discussion with Prof Ortega. How is your relationship now?

My relationship with the Prof is very good. We get along really good. We talk almost daily in the field of many things, not just football. That was something that could happen in all families. It was a little hotter conversation, but nothing bad for me or him.

This Atlantic seems somewhat more vulnerable than other years.

If we look at the numbers, I don't think we are more vulnerable. It is true that we have received more strategy goals than usual. But we are fine, young people have come, with talent and, little by little, they are getting involved in the team.

What has changed Simeone?

It helped me a lot to grow. On the defensive level, in the way of watching football … I was taught that you play as you train. And that enthusiasm that conveys made me grow.

Why became a footballer and why central?

I started playing football with six years, when I arrived at school. I liked the ball and, above all, defend the goalkeeper. So when I started training I always played central.

Does anyone have a football idol of niez?

I had one that was Alessandro Nesta. When I was a child, I was very important in Milan. There were all Montenegro players like Savicevic, who was our best player. At that time also followed Mijatovic, who played at Real Madrid and then Fiorentina, or Vucinic, who ended up playing against me. We always looked a lot at Series A and Nesta was a reference for me.

Why is a Spartan tattoo on his right arm?

I like tattoos. I like movies from that time and always say that if I could choose, I would like to live at least one year at that time. They were fighters and they reflect a lot my way of playing because I never give up. I also have a map of Europe and an emotional phrase on my torso for my father, who is no longer there. I will do some more, I will not stay here.

What do you do when you are not a footballer?

I like handball, I played a lot in my city when I was a child. I was a goalkeeper and we always had a good team. I also listen to music from everything, especially from my country. I even like reggaeton, I learned it from my classmates. I am a quiet man, I am very focused on football. It is important to rest and eat well.