Top marks from Marko
GRUJIC ON WHY HE’S ENJOYING LIFE AT CARDIFF AND HOW THE BLUEBIRDS CAN HELP HIM ACHIEVE HIS WORLD CUP DREAM PLUS DERBY V CITY BIG-MATCH PREVIEW:
WHEN you consider the passion exuded by both Jurgen Klopp and Neil Warnock on the touchline, it’s no surprise that Marko Grujic notes similarities between the two.
Yet Grujic’s experience at Cardiff City so far has been more different, more removed from anything else in his career, as the battle scars of the Championship harden up the young Serbian.
‘Baptism of fire’ is a phrase often over-used in sport but if Klopp wanted Grujic to gain valuable first team experience, then the 21-year-old will emerge with that and so much more when he returns to Liverpool.
As well as regular game time, Grujic may also have a Premier League promotion under his belt. Not to mention minutes of ultra-competitve football in a high pressure environment.
As Grujic explains himself, it’s been the perfect preparation for a potential World Cup summer.
This is the Serbian’s first interview as a Cardiff City player...
ON HIS WORLD CUP AMBITIONS
Grujic didn’t hide that his desire to play in the World Cup this summer proved a factor in his loan move to Cardiff – as well as a certain amount of personal development.
“Playing in the World Cup is one of the reasons I came,” he admitted.
“But the main reason was to improve my game, as a 21-year-old.
“The World Cup is one of the biggest events for every player, but it will be tough to earn a spot.
“I’m 21 years old, it’s great to play in the Premier League and the Championship already, I’m on a good run now. I received the call for the next two Serbia friendly games and hopefully I’ll be in the World Cup.”
ON CARDIFF’S CURRENT FORM AND HIS WINNING EXPERIENCE
Whereas the Bluebirds’ current run of seven victories will be new territory for many players in Warnock’s squad, Grujic already has that winning mentality ingrained from a young age.
Coming from clubs like Red Star Belgrade and Liverpool, usually competing for trophies, has meant he’s brought a ruthless touch to the Cardiff midfield. Although, as he admitted, a promotion to the Premier League with Warnock’s side would be extra special.
He was asked: have you ever won seven games in a row before?
“Yes, when I used to play in Serbia but it’s a different competition. Seven wins is an impressive run, but the players and staff need to play every game like it’s the first one and then we won’t have any problem. This game is important because it’s before the international break.
“We won 16 games with Red Star and had 20 more points than the team in second place. If we do that (at Cardiff) we might be looking at Champions League next year, it would be perfect!
“It was an impressive win (at Brentford), the three points are always three points and I wish we played every game like that one. It was tough after conceding the early goal, but the guys showed character and it was a massive win for us.”
ON ADAPTING TO CARDIFF CITY AND THE CHAMPIONSHIP
Nemanja Matic and Nemanja Vidic for Chelsea and Manchester United have shown in recent years that Serbian footballers don’t tend to have problems assimilating into British football.
Yet Grujic admitted the Championship provides its own challenges, which he has had to overcome since making his Cardiff debut at Sheffield Wednesday in January.
The 21-year-old has been steadily improving since that day at Hillsborough, gaining plaudits along the way from fans and his manager.
“It’s not something new for us from Serbia, we have a lot of players in England,” he added.
“The Championship style of football is different to the Premier League and Serbia. It’s more physical and my position is more defensive than I played for Liverpool.
“The gaffer just told me what he wants from me and a lot of guys in the squad have helped me adapt. From the first day, I’m really happy in
Cardiff, the city and the club.
“When the time came to speak with Liverpool people about the loan a few clubs asked for me. But from the first moment I spoke to Neil on the phone, I didn’t have a dilemma. I said I wanted to be a Cardiff player..” AND THOSE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN KLOPP AND WARNOCK?
“In some respects they’re really similar and have really good relationships with their players,” said Grujic.
“They try to send their passion to us. I learned a lot under these managers, the two styles of football is different but as a young player you need to learn as much as you can.”
Grujic also revealed he speaks to other people from Liverpool and is understood to be in regular contact with Wales duo Ben Woodburn and Harry Wilson.
Wilson is also on loan in the Championship – at Hull City – and Grujic said the Anfield club keep regular tabs on his Cardiff progress,
“There are a few guys I keep in touch with. Every game I have analysed what was good and what was wrong. (Klopp) wanted me to get matches and match sharpness and for a young player the most important thing is to play. Training is important but you need to practice in football matches. The championship is tough but I’m thankful for the gaffer and people from Cardiff to allow me to play regularly. It was tough to adapt at first.”
AND HIS LONG-TERM FUTURE? COULD WE SEE GRUJIC SIGN PERMANENTLY FOR CITY?
“Hopefully I’ll play at the World Cup, then have a rest and then report to Liverpool. We’ll see. I’ve had a great time here so far. I’ll report to Liverpool and then I don’t know what will happen.”