“I don’t feel the pressure to replace Merino”

Luka Sucic (Linz, Austria, 2002) has been called to replace Mikel Merino at Real. The Croatian gave MD Gipuzkoa his first interview

Which What is your first impression of La Real and Donostia?

The club and the academy impressed me. The players are very good and very good people. The coaches and staff are top-notch, as are the president and sports director. And the city is incredible. I am enjoying it very much and so is my family.

Did you find what you were looking for?

Sure. When I heard that Real were interested, I was very happy because I knew them from playing against them in the Champions League. It was a very difficult game for us. I told my agent that I want to sign for this club because it is a good move for me. So I’m very happy here.

What made you feel special about playing at Anoeta?

The atmosphere for 90 minutes, which is fantastic. The fans couldn’t stop clapping and singing. It is very pleasant even for the rival. I really enjoyed it.

And how was your debut last Sunday?

It was unforgettable for me, even though we lost the game. It’s football. We don’t always win. But I’m just as optimistic and we’ll try to win next time. I played in a Real shirt at Anoeta and that’s what matters to me.

How did you feel on the field?

I feel very good because my colleagues are very good and helped me a lot. They did everything for me and talked to me a lot. Now I have to learn the language, but I am very comfortable with it. Very happy. It took a few minutes, but I enjoyed it. I will always remember it.

Are you studying Spanish?

I have to start next week. It will be easier for me to communicate with the coach and teammates. I want to learn it as soon as possible. Now I speak English.

How many languages ​​do you speak?

I speak German, Croatian and English.

Do the people of San Sebastián recognize you on the street?

Yes, although I’m new here. But they don’t stress me out. They just want to take pictures; I’m not comfortable.

He had other offers when he was in Salzburg. Why did you choose Real?

Yes, I have many offers from other clubs. But for me, my next step is important. And I want a team that matches my style. And that was the Royal Society. I don’t care about money or name. For me it is important that the coach likes me. I felt that the club wanted me. For me, as a young player, this is a good place to take my next step. I looked at the cases of Odegaard or Isak and decided on Real without hesitation.

Did you talk to Olabe or Imanol before coming?

Yes, with Roberto. It gave me the feeling that they really love me. And left me very happy. I told my agent that this would be the perfect place for me.

He said he has offers from Italy, from Inter Milan, and in the past, from the Premier League…

Yes true. I had many offers from Italy, England and Germany, but I heard that Real Sociedad wanted me and I forgot everything. La Real suits my style and I have always wanted to play in the League. My decision is very clear. I told my agent I wanted it and we agreed.

He is Croatian, like Modric or Rakitic, are they examples for you?

Of course. Luka Modric is my idol.

I also saw Ivan Rakitic, Kovacic and Mandzukic in the League. I had the opportunity to be in the national team with Modric and I learned a lot from him. However, I want to follow my own path. My focus now is on Real Sociedad.

Will Real succeed with Sucic? Will he win titles?

I hope so. That’s why we play football, to win trophies. Everyone gives 100% in training, but at the end of the season we want the titles in our hands. My dream is to win titles here. I will give everything in the field to achieve this.

What is your main quality?

Long distance shooting and dribbling. I think I give good passes to my teammates. These are my qualities.

In the videos you can see him score many goals from outside the area

Yes, I have that trait. I shoot well from 30 meters. I have a good shot and if I see the opportunity, I try it. But I have a lot to improve. I need to score more goals.

Is it a more creative or a more defensive medium?

I am a creative midfielder. But I also want to push and work hard for the team.

You will be Merino’s replacement, is that pressure on you?

No, not pressure. I know that Mikel is a fantastic player and a wonderful person, but it’s not a pressure for me. The club wants me as I am, not as another player. I need time. It’s a new city for me, a new team.

Merino has been known for many rivalries, how is he doing?

This is not my best quality. But I also want to win the duels and I know I have to improve. And I will improve. If I want, I can achieve.

Haaland, Mané, Szoboszlai, Upamecano, Kimich, Adeyemi, Sucic… They all come from the Red Bull Salzburg Academy, what is their secret?

The secret is that Salzburg is working with young talent. The Academy is very good, one of the three best in the world. They work in a very professional manner. This is a great opportunity for youngsters to reach the first team.

What is your story?

I was born in Austria, in Linz, the place where my parents, who were Croatian, went to escape the war. I always played soccer in Austria and when I was 13, I was signed by Salzburg, where I spent eight years. And now I’m here.

When did you realize you were going to be a professional footballer?

When I signed my first professional contract, in Salzburg, when I was 16 years old. I said, ‘ok, now I have reached my dream.’ But I can’t help it. I have to give more and more every day.

You won the league in Austria, you played in the Champions League, did you feel that you had to leave that competition now?

Yes, I won the league three times in Austria, played in the Champions League, four seasons in the first team and I’m ready for the next step. If it wasn’t for the injury I suffered, I probably would have left Salzburg last year.

It costs 10 million, what do you think?

It may not be very high, but it is for someone who only has one year left on his contract.

What does Imanol ask of you and what does he insist on?

With the ball, let him play as usual. But without the ball, he wants more aggression and to win duels. This is what I will learn here.

What do you think of Imanol?

He is a very good coach, the best I have ever had. This requires giving 100% in every training session. And he always screams. it’s good. Each player will get better and better. That’s what I want. And we see it in Real’s results. Imanol is also a good person.

When you arrived, who was the player that impacted you the most?

Brais really impressed me. And also one who helped the most, with Zubimendi, Traoré…

What do you like about Real?

Which is the best place for young people, to take the next step. The perfect place for me. We have a good mix of young and old. And the club always wants to play in the Champions League and if not, the Europa League.

What can we expect from Real Sociedad this season?

We have quality and that’s why we want to fight Barça, Real Madrid and Atlético, which we know are big teams. In the Europa League, the first challenge is to advance to the playoffs.

Did you know that the Europa League final is coming up, in Bilbao?

yes i know This is a very good goal.

Where do you live here in Donostia?

Close to Ondarreta beach. This is a very nice apartment. I will live alone, although I am now with my parents and sisters. Mela Kodro helps me a lot.

Are you enjoying the gastronomy here?

Yes, the food is very good. I’ve been to many restaurants and every place I’ve eaten at has been perfect. I prefer meat to fish, but this is good too. And the ham, which is really delicious.