With the 26th matchday wrapped up with a 3–2 victory over Pescara, Venezia FC are now preparing for Saturday’s away trip to Bolzano to face Südtirol. Filip Stanković spoke to the media about the team’s current form and focused on the upcoming fixtures on their schedule.

Filip Stanković, Venezia FC goalkeeper.
“Looking back at last Saturday’s match against Pescara, we knew they would start strong. They were aggressive and ready from the very beginning, but we reacted well as a team and showed an important response. The results of our direct rivals don’t affect our motivation—we focus only on our own path without being influenced by the other matches of the round.

This year there are a few goals I might have been able to avoid. I don’t know if this is my best season, but helping the team in delicate moments—like at the end of the match in Pescara—is always important. My best save this season? In Castellammare di Stabia, against Carissoni.

This year I feel I’ve improved with my feet. Football is evolving very quickly and, in the possession phase, the goalkeeper has effectively become an additional outfield player and needs to be comfortable using his feet. Stroppa’s style of play emphasizes building from the back and helps me grow in confidence and responsibility. After Cesena, the coach had asked us not to concede, and a clean sheet is like a reward for the defense—it means we all did a good job. Building from the back as requested by Stroppa obviously involves some risks, but when done well, the benefits are much greater.

On Saturday we go to Bolzano—Südtirol are an excellent team. They mark man-to-man and press fearlessly; it will be a complicated match. We’re preparing for it in the best possible way.

From the first day of training camp, in the first weeks of work, I immediately realized the team’s quality. On the pitch the plays come naturally, and both individually and as a group we are competitive. We want to keep proving that on the field, match after match. At the moment, the season’s balance is positive. Dropping a few points in the early months certainly helped us smooth out our mistakes and gain points as the championship progressed. In any case, we continue to give 100% in every single match and we’ll look at the table at the end.

Having a teammate like Plizzari helps a lot. In training we talk a great deal—about technique, about saving style. We grow together; it’s great to talk with him. My dad? He always tells me never to give up, to push hard and not to give up even an inch, because football never waits for anyone. In general, my family gives me a lot of support—they watch every match and stay close to me in the most delicate moments.”