Andrea, you played in Bosnia and Croatia. How have these experiences shaped you as a striker?
In Bosnia, I played mainly as a centre-back and this experience gave me toughness, discipline and endurance. Playing defense taught me how to read the game from behind, predict opponent moves and stay calm under pressure. These years helped me understand what is difficult for forwards, and I was able to use this knowledge to my advantage when I moved into attack three years ago. The game in Croatia was more tactical and structured; This gave me the opportunity to improve my movement, decision-making and finishing. Both experiences were invaluable because they helped me become a more complete player who understands the game from both perspectives.
Scoring 25 goals in the 2024/25 season is incredible. What were the training or mental changes that contributed to this peak performance?
I focused a lot on consistency and detail. Sometimes I stayed after training and worked on my finishing, shooting angles and movements in the penalty area. Recovery was as important as training, and I paid more attention to nutrition, sleep and injury prevention. Mentally, I learned to trust my instincts more, choosing not to think too much in front of goal and playing freely. The biggest change was trusting myself and my instincts, and that got me there.
Looking back at your early years at SFK Sarajevo, how do the key lessons you learned from those championship seasons influence your game today?
I was very young then and surrounded by experienced players who had won championships before. I observed how they trained, how they prepared for matches and how they handled pressure. These years taught me patience, professionalism and the importance of trusting the team. While I was just starting out, learning from past players shaped the way I play today. The discipline and mentality I developed in Sarajevo are with me every time I step on the field.
You have always been the top scorer in recent years. How do you manage the pressure and expectations of being a key attacking player?
I don't see pressure as a burden, I see it as motivation. People expect goals from me and this expectation motivates me to work harder. I remember football was also about enjoyment and creativity. When I enjoy the game, goals come more naturally. There is always pressure, but I use it as a source of energy, not as a burden. Of course, I expect more from myself every season; The pressure from outside is not as heavy as the pressure I put on myself. But since I like to win and score goals, it is easier to manage the pressure.
As a striker, what aspects of your game do you focus on: positioning, finishing or creating opportunities for your teammates?
Finishing is always my priority; because strikers are evaluated accordingly. However, positioning makes finishing possible. Being in the right place at the right time is very important. At the same time, on days when I cannot score, I direct my energy to create opportunities for my teammates. Sometimes the most valuable contribution is making an assist or making space for others. I believe that the striker should be flexible and unpredictable: sometimes the hero is the one who scores goals, sometimes he is the one who makes others score.
How do you analyze the opponents before the match and does this preparation affect your goal decisions?
Before matches, I look at how the defenders move; Are they aggressive, do they leave space behind, or are they slow to turn? This helps me understand where to position and when to make a run. But football is unpredictable and once the game starts instinct takes over. Preparation gives me confidence, but it is intuition and timing that makes the difference in front of goal.
Can you describe a moment on the pitch when your intuition led to a decisive goal?
In the derby we played against Agram, before my first goal, I noticed that the defender would pass the ball to the goalkeeper. I took immediate action and intercepted the ball just before the goalkeeper. This small moment of insight started the match and gave both me and the whole team the motivation to continue stronger.
You are currently playing for Hajduk Split. How do you mentor younger teammates or influence team culture?
I believe leadership begins with example; how you train, how you react under pressure and how you treat others. I share advice about the game with young players, but I also try to be a friend and someone they can always talk to. At Hajduk this happens naturally because the team is truly like a family. We push each other on the field, but we also support each other off the field; I want to continue to develop this culture.
It is a great honor to represent the Bosnian National Team. How does the international game differ from club football for you?
International football brings a different intensity; You are playing with the best players in Europe and the tempo is higher. But it's also very emotionally intense. Your country's jersey is not just about football; It means pride, identity and responsibility. In the club, you represent your city and the fans, and in the national team, you carry the hopes of an entire nation.
What motivates you to improve yourself even after achieving so many championships and personal achievements?
I think there's always the next level. The love of football motivates, but also the responsibility I feel as someone who can inspire others is important. I realize that I am a leader now and I want to take my teammates to higher levels. For me, success is not just about individual records; It's about contributing to the growth of the team in every aspect.
Have there been periods in your career when you experienced significant setbacks? How did you overcome these?
Yes, I walked away from football completely for a while. I was young, impatient, and unhappy with my progress. But this break made me realize how much I love the game. Talent alone is not enough, you have to work 300%, keep going in difficult times and be patient. This period gave me perspective, resilience, and a desire to come back stronger.
What routines or activities outside of football help you stay focused and balanced?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, doing things unrelated to football, traveling, eating together or just relaxing. These moments allow me to recharge mentally. I learned that balance is very important; Taking time away from the game gives me more energy and clarity when I come back.
What advice would you give to young forwards who aim to play at your level in Europe?
Work on yourself every day, but don't neglect the mental side. Self-confidence and patience are as important as technique. Be disciplined, listen to your coaches and stay humble. Talent opens doors, but only hard work and perseverance will keep them open.
How do you see your career in the next few years, will you focus on national team success or continue to break records at club level?
Both paths are equally important to me. I want to continue scoring goals for the club and win our first trophies in the HNL; The same mission for the national team: to build a stronger future for Bosnia and achieve historic results. Balancing the two moves me forward.
Are there any particular leagues or countries you dream of playing in before you retire?
I would definitely like to play “European football”. I want to see my level and test how consistent I can be in Europe like here. I would like to play in England, but maybe it would be better to gain experience somewhere closer to us and adapt to Europe first.
Apart from goals and trophies, what personal milestones do you aim to achieve in the near future?
I want to be a stronger leader on and off the field. I want to inspire young girls to have self-confidence and show that football can open many doors. I also aim to work as a physiotherapist in the future, so I can combine my two loves.
