Interview with Miroslav Kopric

by Ayrton Galea - 26th January 2016

Goalkeeper Miroslav Kopric is undoubtedly one of the new foreign players that have left a positive impression since joining our Club two weeks ago. For this week's interview, we chose the thirty-two year old goalkeeper to get to know him better.

Miroslav's debut was in a tough match, as the Birkirkara faced Valletta in the fourth round of the FA Trophy, but the Croatian goalkeeper had a very bold performance to keep a clean-sheet in the 1-0 win over the arch-rivals. He kept another clean-sheet and gave another solid display in the 2-0 victory over Sliema Wanderers, in his first Premier League appearance.

1. Who is Miroslav Kopric?

My name is Miroslav Koprić and I am 31 years old. I am a very positive and persistent person who loves, and lives sports. I have a wife and a daughter, my little 2 and a half years old Kiara.

2. How do you spend your days?

When I'm not on training I spend my free time familiarising myself with Malta, because this is my first time here, and hanging out with my teammates

3. What are your hobbies besides football?

Besides football I really like to solve crossword puzzles and to watch a good movie.

4. Do you follow international football? If yes, which is your favourite nation when it comes to football, and which is your favourite club?

Yes, I follow international football and my favourite nation is Spain. For me, the Spanish League is the most beautiful league in the world. They play very impressive and dominant football. I don't have a favourite club.

5. Who inspired you to be a goalkeeper? Who is your favourite goalkeeper? Why?

When I started to play football, I was 7 years old and I didn't like to run a lot. Once in a training session I put on the gloves and decided to be a goalkeeper. My favourite goalkeeper is Casillas because his performances and skills are at a high-level all the time. But I also like Buffon, Cech and De Gea.

6. What is your biggest fear on the pitch?

My biggest fear is that of injuries, but when I'm on the pitch I try not to think about it.

7. Can you tell us a bit about your experiences before joining our Club?

From the moment when I started to play football I was a member of NK Varteks, who played in 1st Croatian League. After that, I spent 6 beautiful years in HNK Gorica, a club in the 2nd division, but a great and very professional club. Last club that I played for was NK Lučko. In both clubs I was a first choice goalkeeper.

8. Did you ever imagine you would be playing in Malta? What is your impression of Malta?

I honestly did not, but when I got the call and opportunity I didn't think for a second, I immediately accepted. Malta is a beautiful country and I am very glad I am here.

9. Why did you join our Club?

I heard about Birkirkara when you played against West Ham and after that I started more carefully to monitor Birkirkara. Birkirkara is a big club with a big history. Miccoli has played in Birkirkara, and that really says a lot about the Club. They called me and I could not refuse the offer and the possibility of playing in the elite competition and the big club.

10. Following the second week with our Club, how are you feeling? Have you settled in?

After two weeks in Birkirkara I feel good because the teammates and the people in the club are great, and they help me whenever I need anything.

11. How is the atmosphere in the dressing room?

The atmosphere in the dressing room is excellent, especially after these victories

12. The team enjoyed a very positive week with two wins from two matches. What are your comments about these matches? In your opinion, what went right, and what can you improve?

Those matches were excellent, played at a very high level and tactically we were great. We have a vry good team. We needed these wins for raising our self-confidence, because we have a lot of new players in the team.

13. You had two very satisfactory performances, especially against Valletta. Do you agree? How does keeping a clean sheet impact you?

It is a credit to the entire team because they played a tactically mature and disciplined game. Because of their excellent game my job was a lot easier. Clean sheet always raises confidence and strength to go on.

14. What are the Club's targets and what are your personal targets?

Club's targets are to win every match and, if possible, to win the trophy and to play in UEFA competitions. My targets perfectly match with the Club's targets.

15. Do you have a message for the supporters?

We have the best supporters. Always stay with the club, cheer and we will always leave our heart on the field, for the club and for you.

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