Hürde Bratislava
Slavic Bratislava, a guest from Graz, will be participating in the intermediate round of the Conference League on Thursday at 6:45 p.m. It’s the first European Cup game in spring since the Osim era.
Stankovic will play a key role in defensive midfield again, functioning as a six that sets up the connection to the offensive and interrupts counterattacks as early as possible.
Trained defender
Youth Jon transitioned from being a central defender talent in Domzale to Dortmund. Most recently, he defended for Huddersfield in the Premier League. At the age of 28, he says, “I also started as a defender in Sturm.”
After six competitive games, Trainer Ilzer saw an ideal switch against Ried. “I’ve been a six ever since. My role requires a lot of thinking, communicating, and game control,” explains the 1.90m tall stabilizer.
Gorenc Stankovic has an exceptional sense of space and time, instinctively moving to where the ball will be. Even though he’s a defender, he claims to be the best six in the Bundesliga: “I didn’t learn that, that’s just how I play.”
“Incredible balance sheet”
The 20-time team player who often comes injured has played 147 out of 155 games and was suspended in four. “That’s an incredible result,” notes Schicker.
He seems to have an unusual pain sensation. “When I thought I tore my cruciate ligament in 2017, I went out for ten minutes. Then I thought while running, it’s going to work again. The next day the result came: the tape was off.”
Besides game intelligence and stamina, Schicker notes a third plus: “I have never heard a negative word from Jon. He is an incredible role model for everyone.“
The well-regarded man, who resides with his girlfriend in Graz, modestly states: “Anyone can always approach me, I want to help everyone. I learned at BVB and in Huddersfield how vital it is to be there for the new and young people.”
Reservist at the European Championships?
Stankovic will be participating in the European Championships but might end up on the substitute bench, which surprises Schicker. “On the other hand, it’s good for Sturm that Jon doesn’t have any more burden on him.”
Target Premier League
Gorenc Stankovic has a message that not all fans will appreciate: “I am grateful for the opportunity I was given at Sturm. But I could easily imagine moving to a top league again, preferably in the Premier League.”
But then, in a new role, as a six.
