Make your debut in the cup final? It seems unlikely. For Davor Matijas it may become reality. The young Croat is already preparing for the most important appointment of his still young career.
GVA spoke to the Croatian goalkeeper (20), who signed for 3.5 seasons on the Bosuil last winter. Due to the departure of Bolat, Teunckens and De Winter – in view of the current regulations – Matijas and Lathouwers are the only two goalkeepers available for the cup final.
“The staff told me to be ready a few weeks ago. I am not sure that I will play, but there is a good chance. Mentally I feel prepared already. With Hajduk Split I already played ten matches, but this match is of a different caliber, “said Matijas.
That the match will be played in an empty stadium may make the task for the young goalie just a little easier. “It has pros and cons. Our fans help us push our limits in a match. I personally don’t see it as a disadvantage. It will make it a little easier to turn training conditions into match conditions.”
Matijas also has nothing but praise for Vedran Runje, his goalkeeper coach and fellow countryman at Antwerp. “I’ve been training under him for 2.5 years now. He already trained me at Hajduk Split. I really appreciate his positivism: he always smiles, but constantly pushes us to a higher level.”
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