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Dejan Stankovic: Stan and deliver
A star for club and country, Dejan Stankovic is undoubtedly one of Serie A’s best imports in recent years. Dominique Antognoni talks exclusively to the Inter midfielder about life on and off the pitch
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Dejan Stankovic is one of the most complete midfielders in the European game – physically strong, determined, technical, fast, intelligent, someone who has a powerful and precise shot. He is a Roberto Mancini favourite, which simply underlines how important he is to Inter’s overall game – one that is much more fluid and aggressive when ‘Deja’ is around, either on the flank or in the middle.
Stankovic is a boy who quickly grew up on the pitch, seeing as he was already wearing his beloved Red Star Belgrade shirt at the age of 16. Just four years later, he was a regular in Sven Goran Eriksson’s Lazio side – the one which won Lo Scudetto in 2000. Now 26, the father of three is virtually the finished article.
Deja, who would you like Inter to play in the Final of the Champions League?
It is far too early to say. We have a great desire to reach Paris, but we must first get past Ajax. They are an easy opponent on paper, but they are a team who always give it a go on the pitch. That is why they are a dangerous side to be paired with. I also remember how difficult it was for Milan to beat them in the year they won the trophy against Juventus on penalties.
Can you explain why Juventus have such an advantage over you in Serie A?
There are no excuses or secrets. Juventus have set a stunning pace, above all expectations. As for ourselves, we messed up against Roma, Sampdoria and Lazio, a trio of games which only gave us two points. We should’ve got at least seven from those matches. During that period, Juve took advantage. However, the fact that other sides like Milan are at a distance too means that consistency is the key factor for them this term.
Which is the more important competition to win – the Scudetto or the Champions League?
I honestly think that they have the same level of importance. However, I do believe that the fans would like us to triumph in Italy rather than in the Champions League – even if there is more intrigue to the latter.
With that in mind, do you feel anything when you hear the Champions League anthem before the games?
Yes, it really is a special moment for a footballer. It creates a particular kind of atmosphere in the stadium. You realise that you are about to play in an important game.
Give me one word to describe Mancini the Coach and Mancini the player.
Good. But this deserves an explanation. He is good because he has great belief in himself, his work and because he pays attention to detail. He’s a winner, in terms of talent and character.
What about Eriksson? What was he like?
He was similar to Mancini, but with a different character and style. He was more calm and quiet, even if just as professional.
Who is the best footballer whom you have played alongside?
I would say Sinisa Mihajlovic, given our friendship. I have to mention Adriano too, as he’s a really great lad.
Is there one player who you really would like to play with?
No, not really.
We can only pick out one defect to your game – the fact that every time there is a scuffle on the pitch, big or small, you always seem to get involved. You’ll even run 30 yards to participate in it. Why?
That’s simply not true. I admit that I have character and I do get upset when an injustice occurs to one of my teammates. That’s because having respect for your fellow squad members is sacred to me.
Do you still follow Red Star Belgrade?
Certainly. I will always support Red Star and I am proud of the fact that I wore their shirt.
Do you ever speak with Red Star boss Walter Zenga?
I’ve had the odd conversation with him, but he speaks more regularly to Mihajlovic seeing as they were teammates at Sampdoria. As a fan, I have to say that I am content with the results he is achieving. They are doing well in the League after an inconsistent start, while they were unlucky to be knocked out of the UEFA Cup after they beat Roma in the group stages.
Adrian Mutu often goes back to Romania on his days off. Do you regularly return to Serbia or have you detached yourself from it?
I’m proud to be Serbian and I welcome the chance to go back home when possible, even though I am very settled in Italy, seeing as I arrived here when I was very young.
How do you imagine the World Cup? Is the tournament more important to the nation – seeing as this is Serbia’s first time – or for the players?
It isn’t actually my first time as I played in France ’98 for Yugoslavia, even if I’m aware that this will be special for Serbia – the players and the people. We have been put in a group which people say is very difficult, but we are convinced that we can be the surprise team of our section and also the Finals themselves.
Off the pitch, do you have footballing friends?
Sinisa is not just a friend, he is like a second father to me. But I have many others like Juan Sebastian Veron, Giuseppe Favalli, Adriano and Christian Vieri. There is of course also Mancini, but our rapport is much more professional as he is now my boss.
Do you play on the wing because Mancini asks you to or because you think you can play there? If another Coach had asked you to play there, one who perhaps didn’t rate you so much, would you have done so?
I play there because I think that is a role which I can perform in and because I was brought up with the culture of team spirit, to always be at the disposal of my teammates. I have played out wide and in other positions for lots of Coaches and not just Mancini. I often play wide for my national side, too.
You made your debut at 16, do you remember the game?
It was a small Belgrade derby against OFK. I came on when Red Star were winning 2-1 and the result didn’t change. I was very nervous and my career has changed since then, as I have grown game after game.
You’re only scoring about half the amount of goals you got at Red Star since you stepped foot in Italy. In the last two seasons in Belgrade, you hit 10 and then 15 goals. Why are you now scoring fewer?
It’s much harder to do so in Italy because so much attention is paid to defending. There is also more balance between teams over here and there just aren’t any sides who have already been beaten before the game kicks off. I like scoring, but I’m not obliged to do so, as my job is to help the side play football. Nevertheless, you also have to take into consideration the amount of posts that I have hit and the number of saves goalkeepers make. There was a period last year in which I wouldn’t have scored even if I would have offered to pay.
You have a fearsome shot – one which is strong and powerful. However, we very rarely see it given that you play predominantly in wide areas.
It’s not just down to my position, though. If I start on the right, I can cut inside and shoot with my left. And vice-versa.
Seeing as Mihajlovic has never been a quick player, can we say that he could continue playing until he is 40 given his various other qualities?
He can play until 50 if he has the desire to do so. His positional sense is extraordinary and he’s a great professional. He’s always the first to arrive and the last to leave. I also think that he will develop into a great Coach.
Is football a job or something more for you?
It is a passion which turned into my occupation. But it is a job that you wouldn’t be able to do if you didn’t love the game. Despite the money and privileges that come with it, you need to put in a great amount of work on a daily basis. I feel fortunate to be a footballer because it is the best job in the world.
Are you the type that likes to watch as many games as possible on TV or do you try to have a break from football?
I’m a dad at home. I have three little boys and I don’t have a great deal of free time. I do like to keep informed on things though and I watch television and read the papers, not just the sporting ones.
What are your hobbies?
I like basketball and going to see Sasah Djordejevic, my idol and friend, play. I regularly see him in Milan as he played here last season.
What’s the best goal you’ve scored?
The next one…
Your best game in a Lazio shirt?
I would say the 1-1 draw with Milan as I scored a great goal. I can’t remember what season that was, though.
And with Inter?
There have been a lot, including the 3-2 derby win over Milan this term. If I had to choose then I would say the 5-1 Champions League victory in Valencia. We played really well and even stepped off the pitch to the applause of the Spanish fans.
Any particular memories regarding your international debut?
An unforgettable moment for me. We were playing at home against South Korea, just before the 1998 World Cup Finals. The stadium was packed and I scored two goals.
Is there anything better than scoring a winning goal in a derby during stoppage time?
To score in injury time with the goal leading to a Scudetto, the Champions League or a World Cup victory.
Who are the strongest team in Europe right now?
Chelsea and Barcelona, followed by the Italians of Inter, Juventus and Milan. Lyon aren’t bad either.
Is Milan’s winning cycle coming to an end?
Absolutely not. That will be underlined at the end of the season because they have great experience and will pick themselves up.
Do you have a motto in life?
To win and do everything possible in order to achieve that. I will then be able to look at myself in the mirror without any regrets.
What about your dream?
To achieve as much success as possible with Inter and to serve Serbian football well.
Tell us three things that we don’t know about Dejan Stankovic.
I’m timid, curious and very tied to my family.
What area of your game still needs improvement?
My objective is always to make as few errors as possible when it comes to things like passing and shooting.
Are you interested in playing in another championship or would you like to remain at Inter and in Italy?
I honestly think it would be tough for me to find anything better than Italy and Inter. They really wanted my services and I like it more here by the day.
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| Interviewed: March 2006 |
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