ISP Exclusive: Interview with Mate Dragicevic

IranSportsPress: Hi Mate, thanks for talking your time to talk to us.
Dragicevic: No worry's

IranSportsPress: To begin with, let’s talk about Perth Glory last year, how did that go for you?
Dragicevic: Terrible, I really let a lot of people down and I went through one of my toughest season's emotionally. (Note: Mate signed for Perth Glory last season but failed to live up to the expectations and didn’t score any goals).

IranSportsPress: So halfway through the season you left Perth Glory, what made you choose Persepolis?
Dragicevic: I knew Iranian soccer quite a bit from watching their national team, so I had no problems flying down to Iran to participate in some practice sessions. After a few training sessions one thing lead to another and I signed my contract.

IranSportsPress: Now when you look back was it a wise decision?
Dragicevic: Yes I am happy with my decision, the experience in Persepolis made me totally forget my bitter times in Perth Glory.

IranSportsPress: Mate, what do you think of the few months that you played in Iran?
Dragicevic: It was fantastic; I had a few injury worries, but other then that I feel I was at a much better form then in past years.

IranSportsPress: Although you were only in Iran for half a year, how did you experience the professional league?
Dragicevic: Different to what I expected really, there is a lot of good player's in the league which raises the standards. I must admit that Iran has some extremely strong clubs.

IranSportsPress: How were the facilities at Persepolis and were you happy with them?
Dragicevic: The facilities were good, but there was too much travelling going on to get to the different grounds.

IranSportsPress: What do you think of Afshin Ghotbi, the head coach in Perspolis?
Dragicevic: I think he is a great coach! He was able to bring the players closer together during tough times throughout the season. I don't think many coaches have that quality.

IranSportsPress:In the last game of the season and in the 97^th minute Heidari scored the winning goal to make you champions in front of 110 000 passionate fans. What feeling did that give you to play in such an atmosphere and becoming champions?
Dragicevic: It was the most amazing atmosphere I have ever played in and that's when I knew I was playing top-flight soccer. After the goal I was extremely relieved and I didn’t know where to run after the goal, it was such a great feeling.

IranSportsPress: What did you get to do after the Championship ceremony?
Dragicevic: Well, after the ceremony I went with some of the players to a restaurant and then we went back to the hotel where the team was gathering.

IranSportsPress: Why did you leave Persepolis for Dunajska Streda in Slovakia?
Dragicevic: I wasn’t offered a new contract, so I had to leave.

IranSportsPress: Would you have stayed in Iran if you were offered a new contract?
Dragicevic: I was more then happy to stay in Persepolis.

IranSportsPress: How did you like Iran and Tehran?
Dragicevic: Tehran is a crazy city; it’s unbelievable how busy it is. I liked it very much but I didn’t get to see much more of Iran.

IranSportsPress: Who did you get along with better than the others in the squad?
Dragicevic: That must be Sepehr Heidari; he really became a good friend of mine.

IranSportsPress: Any last words you wish to give Persepolis fans?
Dragicevic: Thanks for a great experience.

IranSportsPress: Thanks for your time Mate; IranSportsPress wishes you good luck in the future.
Dragicevic: Thank you