mocinic
Rapid meet Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League. Ex-legionnaire Ivan Mocinic knows his opponent and kicks in the same league. ” Today ” asked.
The anticipation was great. In the summer of 2016, the then Rapid Sports Director Andreas Müller piloted the Croatian “six” Ivan Mocinic to Hütteldorf. The Viennese reached deep into their pockets and transferred around two million euros to Rijeka. The second most expensive transfer in club history (Arnor Ingvi Traustason cost a rumored 2.3 million euros in the same year) was perfect.
However, it shouldn't be the big success story. Mocinic had a solid half year – before stubborn cartilage damage almost cost his career. In three years, the likeable kicker made a meager 24 appearances. In February 2019 they parted ways. The now 28-year-old started a new attempt at NK Istra in his home country and was hired a little later at Olimpija Ljubljana. The Croatian first division club HNK Sibenik has been his employer since May.
“Today” reached Mocinic on the phone. The ex-Rapidler unpacked his best German. “I had enough time in Vienna to learn the language,” he jokes. In a good mood, he talks about his hapless time in Austria – and about Dinamo Zagreb. The record champions from Croatia will be playing in the Europa League at the Allianz Stadium on Thursday.
“Today”: Mr. Mocinic, let's start with the question of health: How is the battered body doing? A look at the database shows that you have not played for your club HNK Sibenik since May. Why?
Ivan Mocinic: “Thanks, I'm doing very well now. Unfortunately, I was slowed down by two injuries, so I was only able to play one game for Sibenik. In May I suffered a meniscus tear and now I had problems with my thigh for two months. But: I'm fit again, I'm already training with the team. I should be back in the squad in a few days. “
At Rapid you were slowed down by a cartilage damage in your knee. Does that still hinder you?
“No, not really. I have no more pain. I just have to be patient, always listen to my body. I do extra exercises with my knee twice a week.”
There were doubts in Hütteldorf as to whether the professional career could continue. It went on, but not in Vienna. Why?
“It was a difficult time. I came in 2016 with great expectations, moved to another league for the first time. I wanted to do my best. The first half of the year wasn't perfect, but it was okay – and then the cartilage damage came. It was mine First major injury. At first I didn't know how to deal with it. But I gave everything, fought hard for my comeback. I always believed in myself. And Rapid also took great care of me for two years. The doctors did Made no mistake, I can only say the best about the club. Still, it was hard to just watch the games from the stands every week. People kept asking when I would finally be back on the pitch. It was nerve-racking. I was sad that I couldn't repay the club's patience. In 2019 we decided to terminate the contract. “
What was left of the Rapid period?
“I made good friends. And I had a lot of time to learn German – I hardly played. In December I planned to come to Vienna and meet with the language teacher Nelly (➤” Today “was in 2017 during class here – read the story here). I wanted to visit her earlier, but it was not possible because of Corona. “
Do you follow your ex-club's games?
“Yes, as good as I can. Unfortunately, I don't receive the games. When I have time, I look for highlights on the Internet. Rapid plays better than they score, I noticed that. Luck will come back, there I am I'm sure. “
On Thursday, Rapid will face Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League. You are Croatian, you play in the same league, you know both clubs. What are the green and white chances?
“In Vienna, Rapid is a slight favorite – because of the fans. The twelfth man is really unbelievable. In my time there were always 15,000 spectators in the stadium and they were really loud. But Dinamo are really strong opponents. They have been 15 times in the last 16 years Masters. They could also play in the Champions League, they always make good transfers. “
