Zlatko Junuzovic last played in the away match against Schalke in early November. Since then, ‘Juno' has been out with a hairline fracture in his ankle - the negative highlight of a difficult year for the Austrian international...
Zlatko Junuzovic last played in the away match against Schalke in early November. Since then, ‘Juno' has been out with a hairline fracture in his ankle - the negative highlight of a difficult year for the Austrian international...
Zlatko Junuzovic last played in the away match against Schalke in early November. Since then, ‘Juno' has been out with a hairline fracture in his ankle - the negative highlight of a difficult year for the Austrian international. After spending weeks on crutches, the stationary bike and the weight room, the Austrian continues to work intensively on his comeback at the training camp in Jerez de la Frontera. WERDER.DE caught up with ‘Zladdi' to talk about private happiness and sports pleasures.
WERDER.DE: Hello Juno, so the most important question first: How are you doing?
Zlatko Junuzovic: "It's nice at least being partially back on the pitch, being close to training, to see what the teammates are doing and also being able to do something yourself."
WERDER.DE: That sounds very hopeful ...
Zlatko Junuzovic: "At the moment, it's going good. But there is still some uncertainty in my head. I really have to be very cautious, especially early on and always wait and see what kind of reaction I have, if I feel pain or not. That is very important in the first few days."
WERDER.DE: Let's take a look back. Injuries, missing out on the World Cup and going through a tough season with Werder: Would I be safe to assume that 2013 was not your favourite year?
Zlatko Junuzovic: "I am really very happy that the year is over. I had so many injuries in 2013, like never before in my life. There were scars, cuts, missing two or three weeks in which I had a lot of pain. I often had to practice and play with pain. Altogether I really didn't feel that good last year. I hope that everything gets better in that area."
WERDER.DE: Speaking of getting things back under control. Sports-wise, you are in rehab training right now. But privately you are in the starting line-up, no?
Zlatko Junuzovic: "Privately, 2014 will be a good year (laughs). The engagement in the summer was the step I was always talking about: ‘Everything fits right, and that is good.' I am also someone who likes things a bit quieter. I also found myself that way in the tough last few months. I have exactly in my head how it should be. And you can benefit from that - also sports-wise."
WERDER.DE: How so?
Zlatko Junuzovic: "The sports side should also be in harmony with the private side. Many things depend on one another. If someone is satisfied in their private life, then you need that in football too. You also need a private foundation, to have certain stability. Everything has to fit, you have to have a good feeling. If you can say that, then everything is good. I will make sure that I keep everything straight (laughs)."
