Dragovic was rarely seen in the Leverkusen dress lately
Aleksandar Dragovic is relieved that the idea of an exclusive Super League is not being implemented. “That would have been a tragedy,” said the ÖFB national player in an interview with the APA – Austria Press Agency. Football lives from emotions and from the fans. Before which the 30-year-old will continue his own career in the summer could be decided before the European Championship. It won't be at his current club Bayer Leverkusen.
“There are two or three options that I have to think about,” said Dragovic. Red Star Belgrade was one of them, the defender confirmed. Playing time is more important to him than money. “If I don't play week after week, I'm unhappy. That's why I became a footballer. I prefer to play for a few euros less in a worse team or in a worse league and I'm happy.”
The ÖFB veteran has no future in Leverkusen. His contract expires in the summer, and he has not played a second since interim coach Hannes Wolf took office four weeks ago. “It's a very, very difficult phase,” said Dragovic. He hopes to get “a few minutes of play” before the EM. “I try to bring the four weeks down as well as possible. I can only give full throttle in every training session. Then a new chapter will open.”
After years of being a reservist in Leverkusen, the decisive factor for him is to have fun with football again. Originally, his plan was to have everything “in the towel” before the EM. However, the corona situation also complicates the clubs' planning. He could either choose one of the existing options – or risk and go into the tournament without a club. “It's not easy with Corona, I am not allowed to play poker either. But there is no pressure and no deadline.”
David Alaba has already decided on a new club after leaving Bayern Munich. Dragovic did not want to confirm his friend's employer. It should be Real Madrid – one of the drivers of the terribly failed Super League. Dragovic doesn't think much of the elite league project, referring to statements made by former Manchester United defender Gary Neville: “If you just looked at the money, it would have been fatal for football.”
Corona hit all clubs equally, said Dragovic. “A year and a half without spectators, everyone makes a minus – even a big club like Real Madrid,” said the defender. Italy was hit particularly hard. “Maybe you can understand it from the bosses because it's about a lot of money. But you also have to understand the fans, the emotions. Fortunately, a few more jumped off.” A system like in US sport without promotion and relegation is “not the right way” for him.
Vienna Austria has financial worries – even of an existential nature. The situation at his ex-club was “terrifying,” said Dragovic. He does not know about details such as the extent of the debt and misconduct. “But it's obvious that mistakes have happened. You have to work smart now. Hopefully those responsible will learn from the mistakes. They didn't just happen yesterday.”
Dragovic was trained at Austria and left the club ten years ago for FC Basel. The 30-year-old, number four in ÖFB history with 89 international matches, actually wanted to end his career at his home club. Meanwhile he worries that it will still exist. “It will be a very tough road for the Austria fans. But Austria is a traditional club. You have to accept the challenge. I hope that it will be saved.”
