Jure Balkovec will be playing with extra motivation against Celje!
The 32-year-old, speaking to the Slovenian website “Nogomania,” expressed his excitement about Omonia’s match against the “Comets,” as part of Matchday 2 of the Europa League group stage, since he’ll be returning to his homeland and will have the chance to prove his worth to family and friends who’ll be in the stands.
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At the same time, he commented on the opponent’s form, noting that they are not at their best and have a new coach. However, he emphasized that they remain a dangerous opponent, having won last year’s championship in the Balkan country.
In detail:
On his departure from Turkey: “Essentially, Karagümrük and I parted ways. It was the second-to-last day of the transfer window when Omonia came calling, looking for a left back. We had an away game, and I was handling everything over the phone. I spoke with the new coach and the director, and we reached an agreement. Since I was already on my way out of Karagiumruk on the last day of the transfer window—when we had a match—I watched the game from the stands. At that moment, using my phone, I signed the contract. It all happened within 26 hours—it was crazy.”
On Omonia: “Maybe I got lucky because they didn’t have a player in that position. Everything went well; we won the league title, and now we’re competing in the Europa League. It’s my first time participating in this competition, and I’m excited about this challenge.
On the goal against Celta: “Was it the goal of my career? Most likely, yes! It was a very important moment. I don’t know if Omonia has ever beaten a Spanish team before. In any case, we’re strong at home. I’m happy I scored, especially with a goal like that. In a way, I felt relieved. The Cypriots had seen the goals I’d scored in the past and would sometimes tease me because I hadn’t scored for Omonia yet. However, just a few minutes before my goal, I cleared the ball off our own goal line. I see, though, that this is less interesting than the goal I scored.”
What the match in Slovenia against Celje means to him: “I hope that many of my friends and relatives will be at the stadium for the game. It will be a special game for me, as I’ll be playing in my home country, Slovenia. I won’t hide the fact that this is a special match. I want to prove my worth. I’ve been abroad for a long time, and it’s nice to have your own people watching you up close. Let’s go for the win!”
On whether he knows Celje and how they play: “I know Celje; I follow Slovenian soccer. We still need to analyze the opponent, but they have a new coach. So far, they haven’t shown much. I have a general idea of what to expect. I respect them—they’re the champions—this will be their first home game, and their goal is definitely to win. They’ll give it their all, and we have to respond in kind.
They’re a good team. However, if I may joke a little, I’d be more afraid of them if Albert Riera were still on their bench.”
