“I’m looking forward to new experiences with Hertha”

Having played in four different countries and for five different professional teams, as well as for his country, Filip Uremović has already experienced a lot so far in his career. “I’ve been able to learn a lot about football. Every country and league is different in their own way and that helps you get used to new situations. It’s a lot easier and you can use your experience from previous places, so I’m looking forward to new experiences here with Hertha in the Bundesliga,” said the 25-year-old after joining the Old Lady on Tuesday. A busy first day in Berlin for the Croat included performance tests, a medical and the contract signing. He then took time to speak to herthabsc.com about several topics, including his nickname, his hobbies and what he knows of the Bundesliga.

herthabsc.com: Filip, welcome to Berlin! To start off, can you tell us why you ultimately chose to join Hertha? What are your aims here?
Uremović: Thank you! My reasons for joining and my aims are quite simple. I want to take the next step in my career here in Berlin. I want to develop as a player and help the club get better too. I hope that we can achieve these goals together.

herthabsc.com: You captained Dinamo Zagreb’s reserves and Rubin Kazan too. Would you describe yourself as a typical leader?
Uremović: I have captained a few teams in my career so far, however I don’t like speaking about myself too much. Being a leader is not easy. I just try to help my teammates and support them.

herthabsc.com: So are you quite calm and not so loud on the pitch?
Uremović: I wouldn’t say that, sometimes you have to shout! I mostly try to lead from the front with my performances.

herthabsc.com: You’ve played in four different leagues and countries so far. How has that impacted you as a player?
Uremović: I’ve been able to learn a lot about football. Every country and league is different in their own way and that helps you get used to new situations. It’s a lot easier and you can use your experience from previous places, so I’m looking forward to new experiences here with Hertha in the Bundesliga and I hope I can settle in quickly!

herthabsc.com: Let’s talk about your new league. What do you already know about the Bundesliga? And how closely have you followed it?
Uremović: I watched a lot of German games when I was younger. We didn’t have many channels in Croatia and the Bundesliga just always seemed to be on. I therefore know the teams here, in particular those full of tradition, quite well. Germany is a massive country for football and I’m excited to play here!

herthabsc.com: You’ve played with current or former Bundesliga stars like Andrej Kramarić, Ante Rebić and Ivan Perišić for Croatia, whilst Leipzig’s Dani Olmo was at Dinamo Zagreb together with you. Did you speak to any of those guys before this move?
Uremović: I honestly didn’t have the time, it all happened really quickly. I always followed their progress here and I hope I can have a similar impact. They were the right moves for their careers and I hope it will be for me too.

herthabsc.com: You’re a natural centre-back, but have mainly played as a right-back for Croatia. Do you feel comfortable in both positions?
Uremović: I do prefer to play in the centre, that’s where I’ve played since I was a child. However, I’m more than happy to play at right-back if need be, as I have for Croatia so far.

herthabsc.com: How would you describe yourself as a player in one sentence?
Uremović: I always give 100% on the pitch and I will give my best for this club – that’s what the Hertha fans can expect from me.