“Of course I am, I’m more relaxed, more confident and much happier these past few weeks. I’m also happy because I’ve been waiting for this chance for six months. I think I’ve worked hard and well. Against Le Mans for example, I scored the goal which earned us all three points. Against Auxerre, I think I played well. It’s very positive and I’m very optimistic about next season.”
Are you not disappointed that the battle for third place seems to be lost?
“Obviously it’s going to be hard to get third. But we have to be realistic – the top three have been a little better than us over the course of the season, especially given the depth of their squads. But we’ve also had a fabulous season and exceeded many people’s expectations. We need to qualify for Europe next season and that means finishing in the top five this season. We still need points. Obviously when you lose all four games against Bordeaux, Marseille, Toulouse, Rennes and Auxerre, then it gets very stressful – especially the last two games. But that’s football. We’re tired, physically and mentally. We’ll be happy at the end of the season, proud to have done a great job. Next season, with the arrival of a few new players, I think we’ll definitely be battling for a Champions League qualifying place.”
Are you still motivated for these last two games of the season?
“Yes, because the job isn’t finished yet. If we lose our last two games and Lille and Rennes win, then we could finish down in sixth or seventh – a disaster! We’re staying focused. Of course, the atmosphere at training is still very relaxed. It’s normal to be relaxed at training but in our heads, we’re concentrating on the task at hand and that fourth place and next season’s Europa League.”
A new coach is to be named soon. What do you hope for from the new season?
“I’m very confident and very motivated. This is my club and I’m very happy with my two-year contract. Even if I had a few poor matches I’m sure I have the quality to score goals here. It was a strange season for me. I went through some tough times but I also think I played some good matches and I’ve always fought hard for the team. I didn’t have too many real problems except for when I threw my top but that was because I was angry at myself. We’ve had a good season and I’m looking forward to next season and the arrival of the new coach. I hope I play more and score lots of goals.”
Do you know Antoine Kombouaré?
“To tell you the truth, I know a little about him because a good friend of mine, Milan Bisevac, plays for Valenciennes and he’s told me a lot and had lots of good things to say. If he comes to PSG then I’ll look forward to working for him.”
What do you think about French football?
“I think its very different, a lot more physical than technical compared to England or Spain. A lot of teams play defensive football, with just one striker. If he scores, that’s great because that’s the difference. But from what I’ve seen, compared to the Netherlands, England or Turkey, the standard here isn’t inferior. Certain clubs have played well in the Champions League. Lyon were unlucky to get drawn against Barcelona. The football in France is good. I hope French players start to play more attractive and attacking football because it should be all about the defence and nothing else.”
Are you hoping to take part in the next World Cup with Serbia?
“I certainly hope so! I haven’t lost hope but given my current situation, I don’t expect to play for my country if I’m not playing for my club. I’m realistic, I told the Serbian press that I don’t deserve to be in the national team at present. If next season, I start to play more regularly and score goals, I’m sure I’ll get called up. I’m very proud of the national team at the moment. They are doing a fantastic job and I hope they finish top of their group even though France are still the favourite. But, as they say in football, anything can happen, especially when you have to play in Belgrade in front of 60,000 supporters.”
