The First Croat in History to Acquire an Italian Club
Why Italy?
Because football in Italy is most reminiscent of the one played in South America, where players pour their souls and hearts into the game, finding its way to the people and leaving a deep footprint on society.
Why Santarcangelo?
I was looking for a region in need of quality football, while simultaneously having a long football tradition. So I found Santarcangelo! In this wondrous city, my favourite region of Italy, Romagna. After 2 months of monitoring and spectating the club and the region, I decided to enter into that club in order to project the vision of NK Osijek onto them.
Similarities between the two clubs?
The situation is quite similar. Just as Osijek has a large pool to pick players from, so does Santarcangela. We acquired, created and upgraded the “football garden” in Osijek, from which all the seeds sprout into strong and beautiful flowers. One important detail is that NK Osijek had 32 players who sprouted in their home club in last years’ UEFA competitions, making it the record-holder in Europe in that aspect! That is something that I would like to do here, too. At this moment, the most beautiful football camp in this part of Europe is being built, with 9 new fields, 2 stadiums – the same thing is to be done here in Santarcangelo.
Concerning the infrastructure of Italy, it seems not quite on par in football terms, so that our first step will involve improving it. The new camp, new fields are that first step, which will create a kind of football player factory and will attract new blood.
Is the infrastructure enough for Santarcangelo’s success?
No, it isn’t. As we have seen with Osijek, the club needs to be advertised and popularized, primarily through match results (victories). That is what we had been doing before we officially took over the club. The criteria are: Bringing in a new coach, new players that will improve game quality and viciously attack this season’s play-off position. This year, we want to make it to Serie B. If we create the football academy and infrastructure without the first squad, it won’t be a success story for us. When I acquired NK Osijek, I made it my goal that it stays a Croatian club first and foremost. Like Osijek, Santarcangelo will stay Italian, hopefully becoming one of the greatest clubs in the Romagna region.
What else connects these two clubs?
First and foremost, my vision, which is equal for both clubs: besides being serious regarding parts of my investments, I am quite serious regarding the realization of good results in terms of points and wins. I have bought neither of the two clubs out of selfish reasons, but I have bought it for the fans, sympathizers and all people who are in these regions. That is why Santarcangelo will outlive us, just like NK Osijek will. Both clubs have an exceptionally long tradition. This club has survived World War II and I want to be but a small cog that was set in place when the club was weak, being but a small part in the historical machine of this club’s history. We are witnessing Osijek’s rise in my region. I haven’t come here to make money, but to deliver results and make this club proud of itself, to the pleasure of all who love this club. It is easy to judge my intentions as being identical to what I had done in Osijek and I will repeat that which made me happy with Osijek. I want to see children play football in Santarcangelo wearing their jerseys, not the ones of Juventus, Milan or Inter. I want the gameplay and results of Santarcangelo to be the main topics in coffeeshops and that when people hear Santarcangelo, they connect it immediately to football. I am equally fully committed to delivering results because, together with investments in the football camp and infrastructure, it is the only way to popularize Santarcangelo in all of Italy. We will, of course, connect the strategies utilized in both clubs as much as possible, as long as it is for the best for both of - to achieve synergy. Reinforcements have already arrived here from Osijek, namely Lesjak and Spoljaric, and we have only just begun.
Plans?
I am seeing Santarcangelo in Serie B quite soon, and once you’re there, who can stop you from dreaming of Serie A. I have already participated in such a process, and I know how to do it, but without your support, passion and participation, the vision can’t be realized. Thanks to everyone for welcoming me here in Santarcangelo, for I feel just as if I were at home and I invite you all to support our club and our path to Serie B, if not this year, then surely the next one.
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Photo & Video: Santarcangelo Calcio 1926, Icaro TV
