An Interview with Faz Kuduzovic
17/07/2011 13:59
Do you think we'll ever see you back playing in the League of Ireland again ?
Honestly, as a player,, no. As a coach maybe.
David Willis asks:
Why did you decide to leave Sligo Rovers in mid-2008 ?
The one and only and biggest reason. I wanted to play in the Champions League Qualifiers with Drogheda United. What you have to realise is I never wanted to leave for money, I wanted to leave to have better facilities, improve as a player and create memories for myself and my family. Playing in the Champions League Qualifiers, scoring a goal against Levadia Talinn, playing against Dynamo Kiev. Moments like these are the only reason I play football... the only...
Do you think we can win the League this year ?
100% yes. I do not even have to think about it for one second and I hope you do win the league this year. Not only because I have good friends playing for SligomRovers but because Sligo plays the best football. With the midfield Rovers have you should win the league. I hope the boys are determined and hungry enough to do it.
What did you think of Sligo Rovers performances last season ?
Super. really. Last years midfield was brilliant and the whole team played great football. Its no wonder the Showgrounds have attracted more and more poeple and the ground was packed almost every game towards the end of the season. People want to see beautiful football, its no suprise. Its the same reason I wanted to play in a team and country where every day and weekend good football is played.
What do you think of Paul Cook's current squad ?
The main thing is the squad didn't change too much. By that I mean the main players stayed and the coach brought in old favourites like my good friend Raff who I see is scoring goals and enjoying his football. The squad, once you keep the main players and add more quality like the coach has done you can only go one way. Consistancy is the main thing in football and with the team Sligo Rovers have I personally want to see them win the league. I am not just saying it but primarily beacuase of the football the boys played last year and this year they have to want to do it!
I'll take this oppurtunity just to thank everyone at the club for treating me so well in my time there. as for the players and coaching staff good luck. I wish everyone all the very best, health and success this year and in Europa League Qualification! Enjoy and work hard every moment you have, have no regrets, be afraid of nothing but god. Want and be hungry for success because once its all gone and finished the memories are all that you have left.
Fahrudin 'Faz' Kuduzovic joined Sligo Rovers in 2005 after failing to settle in England with Derby County or Notts County. He had a successful time with Rovers, helping the team to promotion in 2005 and finishing as the club's top scorer in 2007. He also went on to play for Drogheda United, Cork City and Dundalk before moving on to play for his current team Eintracht Trier, a German side.
Photo from www.rte.ie/sport/
Who were your inspirations in football when you were growing up ?
When I look back now I can honestly say that as I grew up I never really had any inspirations as such. I think I was too busy either playing football with friends, going to training or playing games that I really never had time to think about anyone else bar playing football. I can say though, that I will always and forever remember the REAL Ronaldo Phenomenon at Barcelona and Inter Milan. For me this was somehow the most magical time in football. I suppose it was just at that time as I was growing up it meant the most to me, but now I have matured and grown up I only ever think about two players when thinking about the best, Zidane and Ronaldo. I have grown to appretiate players that played the game beautifully.
You came to Ireland in 2005 after failing to settle with Notts County in England. Why did you choose to join Sligo Rovers ?
Whilst playing for Derby County and then Notts County my then agent was a good friend with Sean Connor and when Sean got the job at Sligo Rovers he invited me to sign. I will always be thankful to him for this and although at the time I was moving away from home, to a foreign land, city and club things seemed hard and difficult but when I think about it now I wouldnt change my decisions. From the first moment in Ireland it has made me the man I am today.
In your first season you helped the club earn promotion to the Premier Division, what was the feeling like to have won a League title so early in your time here ?
It was a really special time. When I think of that year I always remember going to the Showgrounds on a saturday evening after pre-match at the Raddison Hotel and it always seemed to be sunny that year, but the achievement was of course great. We had great times that year. We had so many players from so many different places and at that time I was alot younger, it seemed easier because all you thought about was playing but as you grow, responsibilities grow, worries and so on... I would give anything to do it all again.
The following season we finished 5th and reached the Semi-Final of the FAI Cup. Would you consider the Semi-Final in the Showgrounds against Derry City was the biggest match in your career at the time ?
The main main thing I remember from that day was the build up to the game. It was going to be on tv, the flags and banners were up super early in the Showgrounds. was it the biggest game of my career at the time ? I think so because moments like those are the only moments I live for really in football, big crowds, a nice pitch, expectation, pressure... it was a great day. Shame we couldnt get the win at home and in the second leg funnily i played better but we lost and id rather forget that night really...
2007 was a big year for you, top scorer with 12 goals when before that you were used as a midfielder. Was your preferred position always as a striker ?
This is a good question. Never in my life before coming to Ireland and the season of 2007 had I played as a striker or as a winger and still to this day it is not my position. I hate playing with my back to goal but I believe my lack of aggression and strength at the time was a big factor in me not being able to play in centre of midfield in the Irish or English game but as I matured, realised my mistakes, learned, and improved them I have finally come back to my position. The biggest reason I came to Germany was because I wanted to play my natural position, somwhere where my talent, technical ability and vision is respected appreciated and sought after. I love it here, friends and people who know me closer will know that I only play so I can express myself. here i can do that once again...
You played for a few clubs while you were here like Rovers, Cork City, Drogheda United and Dundalk. Who do you feel you played your best football with ?
hmmmm, I think i played my best football in my first year with Paul Cook and last year with Ian Foster. The main reason for this is because I think both coaches knew exactly what type of person and player I was and let me play. I am a person and player that likes to work hard every day in training and I try to do things the right way. I am not high maintenance or anything I just like to be left alone and get on with things. Paul Cook let me play and express myself and so did Ian Foster. I played well I believe and I scored goals. They were best times so far for me and I never really got a chance to thank them because as I said for me the most important thing is playing and enjoying it whilst I can. They allowed me to do this and I will always be thankful to them for giving me good memories in my life.
Who was the toughest footballer to play against in your time in Ireland ?
In ireland there are a few players which I would have considered to be tough to play against. Joe Gamble, Colin Healy, Barry Malloy but by far the best player I played against, although we were never direct opponents was Richie Ryan. I can honestly say that in 3-4 years I cannot recall seeing him lose a ball or miss place a pass and his left foot is absolutely perfect. I appreciate talent and talented people. Its no wonder Richie played in england and i am sure he knows exactly what to do to get to an even higher level. I am only sad I never got to play with him for Sligo and I would have enjoyed playing with him and Joseph Ndo.
While you were here, Seamus Coleman was still an up and coming star, could you have imagined he would go onto become a Premiership star in just a few short years ?
At the time you dont really think about things like that but now he has made it and I am so happy for him because Seamus came in everyday, trained hard , played every game 100% and of course had all the attributes to become a star in the Premier League which is where he is now. Pace, strength and determination, he was so explosive and not to forget his mind bending solo runs. He was a good kid who worked hard and he deserves everything he has achieved.
Your move to Germany came as a surprise to some people. Why did you choose to join Eintracht Trier ?
I would like to ask people why it would be a suprise. The only thing I can think is maybe because I moved to the 4th tier here. I can see where they're coming from but please do not be fooled as the players here are super fit, technical ability is very, very high and its also very tactical, something which I am learning as I go along but I touched upon this earlier. My main reason for moving to Europe is that a totally different type of football is played. Football like the one you watch on tv when you watch European Leagues and believe me its no different in the league I am playing in. Here in Germany I am a midfielder, a centre midfield player, my position since I was 10 and here I am a number 8 or 10. a playmaker as they say. A position which has many responsibilities and pressures. It is your job to try and get the ball constantly and other players responsibility to get you the ball, you have to make plays and actions to create things to try and find a good pass a killer pass to score goals. This is why I moved here, I believe I personally couldn't do this in Ireland. Primarily because of the fact that I played as a striker and it is because of this it was time for me to leave because as I said, whilst I still can, I needed to fully enjoy my football, and if it meant starting in the league where I am then so be it, but just as long as I got a chance to show my talent once again. Nothing can replace the experience I gained and the times I had in Ireland, I wouldnt change one thing. It made me more determinded aggressive and passionate about my goals in my career. In Ireland I learned to be hungry to want things so bad and to work hard and go and get them. So it was just time for me to leave, I am nearly 27 now. For the years I have left I want to feel like a I felt when I was 15-16-17 years old. and now I really do.
You came to Ireland in 2005 after failing to settle with Notts County in England. Why did you choose to join Sligo Rovers ?
Whilst playing for Derby County and then Notts County my then agent was a good friend with Sean Connor and when Sean got the job at Sligo Rovers he invited me to sign. I will always be thankful to him for this and although at the time I was moving away from home, to a foreign land, city and club things seemed hard and difficult but when I think about it now I wouldnt change my decisions. From the first moment in Ireland it has made me the man I am today.
In your first season you helped the club earn promotion to the Premier Division, what was the feeling like to have won a League title so early in your time here ?
It was a really special time. When I think of that year I always remember going to the Showgrounds on a saturday evening after pre-match at the Raddison Hotel and it always seemed to be sunny that year, but the achievement was of course great. We had great times that year. We had so many players from so many different places and at that time I was alot younger, it seemed easier because all you thought about was playing but as you grow, responsibilities grow, worries and so on... I would give anything to do it all again.
The following season we finished 5th and reached the Semi-Final of the FAI Cup. Would you consider the Semi-Final in the Showgrounds against Derry City was the biggest match in your career at the time ?
The main main thing I remember from that day was the build up to the game. It was going to be on tv, the flags and banners were up super early in the Showgrounds. was it the biggest game of my career at the time ? I think so because moments like those are the only moments I live for really in football, big crowds, a nice pitch, expectation, pressure... it was a great day. Shame we couldnt get the win at home and in the second leg funnily i played better but we lost and id rather forget that night really...
2007 was a big year for you, top scorer with 12 goals when before that you were used as a midfielder. Was your preferred position always as a striker ?
This is a good question. Never in my life before coming to Ireland and the season of 2007 had I played as a striker or as a winger and still to this day it is not my position. I hate playing with my back to goal but I believe my lack of aggression and strength at the time was a big factor in me not being able to play in centre of midfield in the Irish or English game but as I matured, realised my mistakes, learned, and improved them I have finally come back to my position. The biggest reason I came to Germany was because I wanted to play my natural position, somwhere where my talent, technical ability and vision is respected appreciated and sought after. I love it here, friends and people who know me closer will know that I only play so I can express myself. here i can do that once again...
You played for a few clubs while you were here like Rovers, Cork City, Drogheda United and Dundalk. Who do you feel you played your best football with ?
hmmmm, I think i played my best football in my first year with Paul Cook and last year with Ian Foster. The main reason for this is because I think both coaches knew exactly what type of person and player I was and let me play. I am a person and player that likes to work hard every day in training and I try to do things the right way. I am not high maintenance or anything I just like to be left alone and get on with things. Paul Cook let me play and express myself and so did Ian Foster. I played well I believe and I scored goals. They were best times so far for me and I never really got a chance to thank them because as I said for me the most important thing is playing and enjoying it whilst I can. They allowed me to do this and I will always be thankful to them for giving me good memories in my life.
Who was the toughest footballer to play against in your time in Ireland ?
In ireland there are a few players which I would have considered to be tough to play against. Joe Gamble, Colin Healy, Barry Malloy but by far the best player I played against, although we were never direct opponents was Richie Ryan. I can honestly say that in 3-4 years I cannot recall seeing him lose a ball or miss place a pass and his left foot is absolutely perfect. I appreciate talent and talented people. Its no wonder Richie played in england and i am sure he knows exactly what to do to get to an even higher level. I am only sad I never got to play with him for Sligo and I would have enjoyed playing with him and Joseph Ndo.
While you were here, Seamus Coleman was still an up and coming star, could you have imagined he would go onto become a Premiership star in just a few short years ?
At the time you dont really think about things like that but now he has made it and I am so happy for him because Seamus came in everyday, trained hard , played every game 100% and of course had all the attributes to become a star in the Premier League which is where he is now. Pace, strength and determination, he was so explosive and not to forget his mind bending solo runs. He was a good kid who worked hard and he deserves everything he has achieved.
Your move to Germany came as a surprise to some people. Why did you choose to join Eintracht Trier ?
I would like to ask people why it would be a suprise. The only thing I can think is maybe because I moved to the 4th tier here. I can see where they're coming from but please do not be fooled as the players here are super fit, technical ability is very, very high and its also very tactical, something which I am learning as I go along but I touched upon this earlier. My main reason for moving to Europe is that a totally different type of football is played. Football like the one you watch on tv when you watch European Leagues and believe me its no different in the league I am playing in. Here in Germany I am a midfielder, a centre midfield player, my position since I was 10 and here I am a number 8 or 10. a playmaker as they say. A position which has many responsibilities and pressures. It is your job to try and get the ball constantly and other players responsibility to get you the ball, you have to make plays and actions to create things to try and find a good pass a killer pass to score goals. This is why I moved here, I believe I personally couldn't do this in Ireland. Primarily because of the fact that I played as a striker and it is because of this it was time for me to leave because as I said, whilst I still can, I needed to fully enjoy my football, and if it meant starting in the league where I am then so be it, but just as long as I got a chance to show my talent once again. Nothing can replace the experience I gained and the times I had in Ireland, I wouldnt change one thing. It made me more determinded aggressive and passionate about my goals in my career. In Ireland I learned to be hungry to want things so bad and to work hard and go and get them. So it was just time for me to leave, I am nearly 27 now. For the years I have left I want to feel like a I felt when I was 15-16-17 years old. and now I really do.
Do you think we'll ever see you back playing in the League of Ireland again ?
Honestly, as a player,, no. As a coach maybe.
David Willis asks:
Why did you decide to leave Sligo Rovers in mid-2008 ?
The one and only and biggest reason. I wanted to play in the Champions League Qualifiers with Drogheda United. What you have to realise is I never wanted to leave for money, I wanted to leave to have better facilities, improve as a player and create memories for myself and my family. Playing in the Champions League Qualifiers, scoring a goal against Levadia Talinn, playing against Dynamo Kiev. Moments like these are the only reason I play football... the only...
Do you think we can win the League this year ?
100% yes. I do not even have to think about it for one second and I hope you do win the league this year. Not only because I have good friends playing for SligomRovers but because Sligo plays the best football. With the midfield Rovers have you should win the league. I hope the boys are determined and hungry enough to do it.
What did you think of Sligo Rovers performances last season ?
Super. really. Last years midfield was brilliant and the whole team played great football. Its no wonder the Showgrounds have attracted more and more poeple and the ground was packed almost every game towards the end of the season. People want to see beautiful football, its no suprise. Its the same reason I wanted to play in a team and country where every day and weekend good football is played.
What do you think of Paul Cook's current squad ?
The main thing is the squad didn't change too much. By that I mean the main players stayed and the coach brought in old favourites like my good friend Raff who I see is scoring goals and enjoying his football. The squad, once you keep the main players and add more quality like the coach has done you can only go one way. Consistancy is the main thing in football and with the team Sligo Rovers have I personally want to see them win the league. I am not just saying it but primarily beacuase of the football the boys played last year and this year they have to want to do it!
I'll take this oppurtunity just to thank everyone at the club for treating me so well in my time there. as for the players and coaching staff good luck. I wish everyone all the very best, health and success this year and in Europa League Qualification! Enjoy and work hard every moment you have, have no regrets, be afraid of nothing but god. Want and be hungry for success because once its all gone and finished the memories are all that you have left.
Thanks to Faz for doing the first interview of the summer and thanks as always to David Willis who is happy to once again provide a few questions.
