“Show what we’re really made of”

Berlin – Gojko Kacar once fired Hertha BSC into the Europa League, but just months later, a severe disappointment followed: Hertha faced relegation in 2010. Kacar spent the next six years at HSV, where he was able to avoid relegation. During a six-month stint at Japan’s Cerezo Osaka, he once again endured the fate of being relegated. The defensive specialist joined FC Augsburg in 2016 and now looks to avoid relegation once more. herthabsc.de spoke with Kacar on his experiences in the relegation battle, his plans for the future and his expectations for Sunday’s game against his former club.

herthabsc.de: Mr. Kacar, you currently find yourself battling against relegation with FC Augsburg. On the other hand, you could also theoretically still move a long way up in the table. What is your take on the current situation in the standings, following your 3-2 defeat to Ingolstadt. 

Gojko Kacar: The situation in the standings didn’t change much compared to before the game. Everything is very close and that will likely remain the case until the final matchday.

herthabsc.de: You experienced the relegation battle while playing for Hertha and Hamburg SV. Is that helpful for you now?

Kacar: Obviously it’s not nice, but I do have experiences in that regard. We have to keep sticking together and get out of this situation as a team. I’m convinced that we can do it. 

herthabsc.de: You joined Augsburg last summer. How do you like it there?

Kacar: It’s very nice here in Augsburg. The city can’t be compared to major cities like Hamburg or Berlin, but it’s quiet and cosy. I like that and I feel very comfortable. I hope that we can be successful again on the pitch in the next few weeks. Then everything would be wonderful. 

herthabsc.de: You still have a year left on your contract in Augsburg. Are you still aiming to start a second career tending to a vineyard in Serbia?

Kacar: (laughs) Making wine doesn’t sound too bad, does it? I’m just focussed on football right now. We will see what happens afterwards.

herthabsc.de: On Sunday you face your former club Hertha. What memories do you still have from your two and half years there?

Kacar: I still have a few friends in Berlin. My time at Hertha was a very pleasant chapter in my life. I always enjoy coming back to Berlin.

herthabsc.de: What do you expect from the game? What will your team need to do in order to be successful?

Kacar: It will definitely be a tough game. I hope that we can show what we are really made of. We want to experience success again and take the points back home with us.