Alexandar Canovic Interviewed

by Ayrton Galea - 18th November 2011

Birkirkara emerged as winners with a 2-1 score in the last match against Balzan. The latest acquisition for our team, Serbian goalkeeper Alexandar Canovic started for the first time with the first eleven. This week we decided to interview him to get to know more about him and his experience so far with our Club.

What is your impression of Malta? Had you ever been here before? Had you even heard of it? Did you ever imagine you would be playing here?

My first impressions regarding Malta are definitely positive. To be honest, before I arrived here I was very sceptical, but I am actually very surprised. I had never been in Malta, and I had never even thought about coming here, but in soccer everything is possible, so here I am. Of course, I know a lot of about Malta and Malta's soccer, since a lot of Serbians players have played here. I got a lot of information from my manager. Also my best friend played with the Serbian soccer club Vojvodina when they played against Sliema Wanderers so he told me his impressions. The most information I received was from former Malta National Team Coach, Mr. Josif Ilic, who is also a very good friend of mine.

Tell us about your typical day

Since, in general, we practise in the afternoons, my day usually starts with individual practice at the gym. After lunch I take relaxing break so I can be ready for team practice. I usually spend my evenings with my wife and, often, with my team mate Perisic. We usually go to Valletta or Sliema for a walk.

What are your hobbies besides football?

I can't really say that I have a hobby. I usually spend my free time with my friends. Here in Malta I am planning to discover your rich history and to use as much time as I have for sightseeing of your country. Also I like to spend my time on the internet, or reading some good book or watching movies.

Who were your football heroes when you were growing up? And who are your football heroes now?

Earlier, there were lots of players and goalkeepers that I admired. I have had always admired Spanish goalkeeper Santiago Canizares and I've always tried to copy his style. On the other side, with no doubt, my favourite player has always been undisputed Zinedine Zidane. I am amazed by his soccer knowlegde, his attitude, modesty and his acting on the field and outside. Out of present day players I am impressed with Ricardo Kaka because of his similarity with Zidane.

Who is your favourite goalkeeper? Why?

Even though I know there is better goalkeepers (like Buffon and Casillas) my favourite one is Pepe Reina. I really like his style, rationality, dynamics and calmness. We also have one similarity - hair style.

What made you become a goalkeeper?

When I was a kid I was very talented for soccer and dribbling the ball and my friends from school influenced me to go and try out for soccer practice. When I stood on the field for the first time I realized that it is too much distance for me to run and I chose to stay between goalposts. And that's how I became a goalkeeper.

How difficult is the position of a goalkeeper?

Goalkeeper position in soccer is said to be a "doubled edged sword" and the border between a hero and villain is very tiny. I really like my job and I think my position is the most important position in the team. Since I have stood on the goal for my first time, I have never wished to play any other position; I knew this was perfect for me.

Several players have rituals or habits before matches. Do you have any?

I don't have any rituals or habits before or during the games.

Do you agree that goalkeepers are like wine? They become better with age?

I definitely agree that goalkeepers are like wine: the older they are the better they become. I see myself as a good example of that fact. Age gives you more stability and confidence, which are the two most important characteristics in a goalkeeper's world.

What does your pre-game warm up consist of?

Every goalkeeper, or actually his coach, has his own way of warming up and preparing for the game. My way is not in any way different than that of any other goalkeeper. I like to start warming up 45 minutes before the game starts.

What is the most important thing you have learned in your goalkeeping career?

Rationality and patience.

Can you tell us something about your previous experience?

Before I came to Birkirkara FC I used to play for Cyprus' Ermis FC for a year and a half. I admit that during the time I spent there I had some moments that were very but also others that weren't so good. There was a period when I was a consistent member of the team and played an important role for them, but then I was injured. Even though this injury was minor and nothing to really worry about, it still created some misunderstanding with the club's committee. I knew that the best for me is to move on and find the right team for me, which I did even thought I had one more year of contract with the Cypriot club.

Which was the best save or moment in your career?

The best moment in my career, so far, was when I was 20, winning the title of a national champion of FYR Macedonia. I have to say that my best achievement is definitely playing for the Olympic national team of Serbia and Montenegro for the games in Athens in 2004.

Why did you decide to join our Club?

I took the decision to come and play for Birkirkara FC with my manager. He visualised that this team has good potential to get to the top of the league and have a part in the European scene. These ambitions coincide with mine so I took the decision.

Who is your favourite team mate?

Understandably, the team-mate I am the closest with is Dragan Perisic, since we are from the same country. I have to point out that I was welcomed and respected from everyone; players, coaching staff, committee and fans. I also have to single out Gareth Scibberas who is helping me out a lot in getting to know Malta and its soccer.

What are your comments about the last match against Balzan?

In the game against Balzan, we were definitely stronger from the beginning in all the segments of the game. With a naive mistake we conceded the goal, and it was hard for us to chase for the result while they were playing defensive. After the halftime, with some great instructions from our coach, the quality of our game got back to the right level.

What are your comments on the next match against Qormi?

In the next game against Qormi we'll try to manage to win, like we always try to do. I watched Qormi twice and I concluded that this is a team of a good quality. But I still believe we are a stronger and better team, and that we will win.

What are your targets with our Club, and what are your future plans?

The targets of our club have always been on the highest level, as I was told. If we get a chance for winning a title we will definitely give our best to achieve it. Playing on the European scene is the minimum we expect. On the other hand it's too early to talk about my individual plans. Soccer is unpredictable and you never know what tomorrow may bring.

What are the most important things in your life?

The most important thing in my life is my family. My wife, parents, brother and sister. I have to mention my best friend too.

How important are the supporters for you and do you have a message for them?

Supporters are very important to me. I am very thankful for the way they accepted me. A lots of greeting to our supporters and I am looking forward to see them again.

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