Hyderabad FC's Stefan Sapic on coach Thangboi Singto, first ISL goal & more

Stefan Safic has done well for Hyderabad FC in the backline.

Hyderabad FC were constantly in the news of Indian football last season and that too just for the wrong reasons. The winners of the ISL season of 2021-22 were in a dire situation of financial constraints. The club’s financial woes had led to a series of setbacks, including unpaid salaries, a transfer ban, and the departure of key players.

However, a lifeline arrived in the form of the BC Jindal Group, which acquired the club and injected much-needed financial stability.

The club was able to lift the transfer ban and actively pursue new signings. The Nawabs focused on a strategic approach, combining experienced players with promising young talents as They made strategic additions to their squad, both domestically and internationally.

Standing tall at a height of 6 feet 8 inches, Stefan Sapic, the Serbian defender was the third foreign signing for the yellow and black. Hailing from Serbia, Sapic has a wealth of experience playing in top-tier leagues across Europe. He has already made a significant impact on the Indian Super League since joining Hyderabad FC by scoring against Mohammedan SC.

Stefan Sapic sat down for an exclusive interview with Khel Now discussing various topics from his football journey, his relationship with his teammates, his first ISL goal and more, Here are the excerpts from the interview.

About his footballing journey before joining the Yellow and Black

Having honed his skills at Cukaricki, a prominent club in the Serbian SuperLiga, Sapic has competed in top-tier European competitions like the Europa League and Conference League. Sapic reflected on his journey before he joined the Indian Super League for Hyderabad FC.

“Well most of my life, At least the footballing journey has been in Serbia, I have been playing since my youth days and I started off my journey with the Cukaricki youth team and then I also had a chance to play with FK Sindjelic Belgrad as well.

“Then I moved to Moscow where I played for Torpedo Moscow after which I moved to  Bosnia where I played for FK Zvijezda then when I got an offer to play in the ISL I thought why not let’s try this too and Here I am in India, Playing for Hyderabad FC now.”

🇷🇸 Our own Serbian powerhouse is here 🔥Standing at 6ft 8in, introducing Stefan Sapic, our wall at back for this season 💪Welcome to Hyderabad, Stefan 💛🖤#TheNawabs pic.twitter.com/mcLhzmVkOs

— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) September 28, 2024

Initial Impressions of the league and the club

This is the Siberian defender’s first season in the ISL. He shared his initial impressions of the Indian Super League and the club.

“Well, the league is competitive and difficult just like any other, The pace and physical nature of the league are exciting to be a part of. And everything here seems very good and professional whether it’s the matches or the training conditions. Everyone in the club is friendly, It’s just been a month here and I already feel comfortable enough here.

“I didn’t expect but the people in the club are incredibly kind and welcoming. And the fans are good too, passionate and welcoming to the foreigners, and are always supportive of the club and players. I am happy that I took this decision. I have been here for a month and am still getting used to this league. We have been doing well in the training sessions and hope to get good results soon.”

About adapting to everything in India

Sapic also expressed his admiration for the diversity of the Indian Culture and expects to learn a lot about the culture from his time here.

“Yeah, We don’t have so many festivals and events back at my place. But In India, it is different, there are so many events and festivals, And there are so many cultures and languages which are entirely different than my country, But the cultures and traditions are so pretty to watch and it makes the people so happy And that makes me feel glad too.

“Recently we had a Diwali celebration too, I even put on some ethnic wear it was very different for me but a beautiful bonding session and a great experience with everyone who was there. I hope I get to learn all the new cultures from here.”

✨️💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/TffkdjMIfI

— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) November 1, 2024

About his rapport with the team

Sapic who had just moved to Hyderabad a month ago, has already fit in well with the team. His bonding with his teammates is evident on the field. When asked if he faces any communication gap in the dressing room, the centre back said, “I used to think about that earlier yes, But I do not have an issue at all, I have heard the players discuss things in their local language but every time they reach out to me and explain that in English, we communicate and yeah so there is no language barrier at all, The players are all very kind and make sure I am comfortable and relaxed.”

“They are always very supportive and are an amazing bunch. Every moment of every day, they are working hard to improve. They are young and very talented and for sure, they have a big future with the National Team,” Stefan Sapic added.

“Yeah, a few players have been here from the last couple of seasons, But I just joined them about a month ago. We didn’t have much time to settle in but I had to gel together with the team, So I had to adapt very quickly, especially because I am not used to the food or the weather.

“But everyone on the team helped me and now I feel I am slowly getting used to it. And now that we are working as a team we hope to achieve our goals.”

About his first ISL goal

Stefan Sapic scored his first goal of the ISL as he scored a brilliant header against Mohammedan SC and the Yellow and Black ended up winning with a brilliant scoreline of 4-0. Talking about his first goal he said, “I am happy for scoring the goal, I am also aware it was my first goal both for the club and in the league, It’s a good feeling but it was very important that we won the game and also the clean sheet.

We worked hard as a team and it was a big win for us. I think it’s just the beginning and I think I have to contribute more and continue to play well for the club.”

🤷 pic.twitter.com/99XsgQMCgs

— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) October 27, 2024

On whether he would take up a leadership role

Sapic was known for captaining FC Cuckariki’s U-19 side to the Serbian Youth League 2015-16 and helping them qualify for the UEFA Youth League 2016-17. On asked if he would take up a similar role at Hyderabad FC the defender expressed his respect for Alex Saji the current captain.

Stefan Sapic said, “Yes I have led teams before but here I think With Alex, He is a great guy, He is doing extremely well on the field and He is a great leader, a true captain and he always wants to help everyone especially the younger ones, which I think is a great leadership quality to have. So I believe he is the perfect leader for Hyderabad and I don’t intend to replace him at all.”

On Thangboi Singto’s guidance

Not only is it Sapic’s first season at the ISL and Hyderabad FC, but it’s also his first season under Hyderabad FC’s head coach Thangboi Singto. Sapic heaped praise on how kind and helpful Thangboi Singto has been towards him.

Sapic stated, “Yeah, he’s a very good coach. I’ve seen and played under so many coaches in my career, but I’d say coach Thangboi Singto is very professional but is also a very kind person. I think he believes strongly in communication between the team and the staff.

“He always wants to talk to the players, he wants to give some information on what can be done as a team in a better way or how we can do better individually as a player. He has a very good philosophy, is very good with his tactics and he knows what he wants from us and that I believe is a very important trait in a coach.”

About the long-term goals of the club in the league

Unlike last season, Hyderabad FC do not seem languishing at the bottom of the table, They have already got two wins and one draw. When asked about the long-term vision of the club, Sapic expressed the unpredictability of the league.

“I don’t like looking too much into the future. We need to play step by step, match by match, And focus on one opponent every match and try to take some points and that’s only important.

“But we will see what we can do in the upcoming matches. The season is long and there are so many matches that are yet to be played. Football can be unpredictable sometimes and I think in this league everything is possible,” Sapic concluded.

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