An interview with Željana Stojak

- Could you introduce yourself to the supporters? Please tell us a few words about your previous career as well!

- I started my career in my city where I was born at HRK Izviđač Ljubuški. When I finished my high school, I got an offer from Hungary, and I did not hesitate to take it. As a youth I played for Kozármisleny, then I got a contract with Győr and I played within the framework of their youth project in Mosonmagyaróvar. In Hungary I was a member of Érd’s squad as well, but right after I left the country and spent two years In France at Besançon. Earlier I had the pleasure to get caps for the Croatian national team as well, I played for example against the Hungarian national team as well.

- What helped your decision that you choose to continue your career in Dunaújváros at DKKA

- Well, I had a bit of an experience from the Hungarian league earlier. I consider it as one of the best leagues in Europe. I was glad that DKKA had an interest for me and I am happy to return to the country.

- You already knew some of your teammates beforehand, did they help you to fit in? And how?

- Yes, I knew some of them, I played together with Bouti Fruzsina and Csapó Kyra in Mosonmagyaróvár, but I also remember on some of my opponents. As a goalkeeper it is important to know the faces, if you know what I mean. They helped me of course, like they showed me around the city, we checked out the restaurants, pubs. But you know, I never felt like being a stranger here.

Željana Stojak knew some faces from before, She had the opportunity to play together with Csapó Kyra earlier as well (photo by Nagy Gergő)

- A few days have already passed, since the first time you met the team, what is your impression so far?

For now everything is good. Girls and staff members are all very kind with me, this helps a lot in a new environment. Everybody is really hard-working, we already have a lot of training behind us, but the most intensive part is yet to come. We are moving to Szekszárd to participate in a week long training camp in order to adapt ourselves to the environment there. I truly hope, that the lot of work will be visible during the season as well.

- What do you think what is an ideal handball goalkeeper? 

- To be goalkeeper first you have to be crazy for sure! Of course you need a bit of everything, talent, hard work, luck. But one of the most important thing is to get your head straight, your mind and mentality have to be very strong and you should not forget to stay positive in all situations.

- What's the deal with you and the Hungarian language?

- My Hungarian is going well, köszönöm, hogy megkérdezted (thanks for asking)! Of course I forgot a lot during the last two years. I try to practice it with the girls, I know some basic words, expressions, but it could be really funny when you mix the languages, like you replace the difficult words with English expressions.