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16.09.2016Bundesliga

'Those years are amongst the best in my career'

Eintracht Frankfurt assistant coach Robert Kovac played for Bayer 04 from 1996 to 2001 where he scored one goal in 127 Bundesliga appearances. Between 1996 and 1999 he played for Leverkusen alongside his brother Nico. The duo now coach Eintracht Frankfurt, the next opponents for the Werkself. Robert spoke to bayer04.de about Tin Jedvaj, differences of opinion with his brother and his time at Leverkusen.
© Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fussball GmbH

Robert Kovac, are there times when you don't agree with your brother? Kovac: "Of course, there are times when we don't agree. But we talk about it and always end up agreeing."“

When you played together at Leverkusen you often shared a room for away matches. How do you remember your time at Bayer 04?    Kovac: "Those years at Bayer 04 are amongst the best in my career as a footballer. Not just because I played alongside my brother for three years but also because there was a huge and positive change in mood after almost being relegated."

Tin Jedvaj made his international debut under you as national coach. How do you assess his potential and development?
Kovac: "The potential is definitely there and he's very talented but he still has to keep on working and developing his game. Personally, I see him more as a central defender than as a full-back."„

Since March you've been together at Eintracht Frankfurt who were involved in a relegation battle last season. Your first task as a coach in the Bundesliga could easily have been more straightforward, couldn't it?
Kovac: "Of course, we would have preferred the season to have run more smoothly. But it was a very big challenge that we mastered together."

What have you learned from the difficult and the successful times?
Kovac: "That we managed to stay up despite the enormous pressure – and that with the support of our fans, everyone around us and the whole region."

How do you rate Eintracht's chances this season?
Kovac: "I think our chances of securing top-flight status early on are better this season."

15 years have gone by – Will the match in Leverkusen still be special for you?
Kovac: "They’re always special games because I still know people from here and I'm always happy to catch up with them again."

What do Eintracht need to do to win?
Kovac: "Very good luck, a united team performance and the support of our fans."

© Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fussball GmbH

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