“There are few strikers like him in Switzerland”

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Murat Yakin has rejuvenated the selection for the European Championship qualification. The national coach emphasizes that in his nomination he mainly looks at the impetus and form of the players. Darmstadt striker Filip Stojilkovic (23) may be coming to kiss the hand soon.

He grew up right next to the Letzigrund stadium in Zurich and already played as a boy with the “Letzikids”, the youngest of FC Zurich. “Filip already had an incredible nose for goals when he was nine. One way or another he always scored, whether with his knee or with his nose,” remembers Marco Bernet, head of the Letzikids at the time. “He was a good boy, but he was not streamlined, often looked for to the limits.”

Although they want to convince the storm jewel at FCZ to only join the first team, he switched from the U21 to the Hoffenheim youth team in the summer of 2018 at the age of 18. “I do not regret it. In Germany I developed my football skills and became more independent,” says Stojilkovic. After a year, he returns to FC Wil in Switzerland despite offers from the 2nd Bundesliga. Coach Ciriaco Sforza is decisive. With him, I immediately noticed that he had a plan for me and that he was counting on me. And that has come true: Ciri not only talked, he also stood by me and encouraged me. He was one of the most important coaches for me – until to this day we keep in touch.”

“A huge talent – but he needs good people around him”

“Filip has the nose, doesn’t need many chances. He’s also robust, has power, great shot and technique. He also goes where it hurts. Switzerland don’t have many strikers like him,” Sforza says of his former protégé and calls him a huge talent. He is confident that Stojilkovic will have a great career. “For that, Filip must have good people around him who guide him and ensure that there are not too many emotions involved.”

After 18 games in the Challenge League with 8 goals and 4 assists, the striker moves to Sion. Since this year he has been a striker for Darmstadt in the 2nd Bundesliga. With success: Before the break of the national team, he single-handedly shot down Kaiserslautern 2-0. You can tell he’s comfortable with the surprise team of the league. «I was very warmly welcomed. The club and the people here are very humble and down-to-earth.” It seems as if he has already mastered these virtues of the lilies. When asked about the turnout, he says: “We look at game by game. don’t be nervous if things don’t go well.”

Stojilkovic: «U21 European Championship? We want to win as many games as possible.”

As for the Nati, Stojilkovic says, “Of course the A-Nati is my target. I’m ready! But my head is with the U21s at the moment.” If they move together next time in June, he will almost certainly not be called up for the A-Team. Because then the U21 European Championship is coming up in Romania, where Switzerland will play with the best possible team wants to compete. He certainly belongs there. Group opponents are Norway, France and Italy. The Zurich resident then boldly formulated the EM goals: “We want to win as many games as possible and are not afraid of big countries.”

Source : Blick