Goran Kopunović considers the regular season campaign overall a success. Having joined the Székelyföld Football Academy in the autumn, he reflected on the work done and the team’s progress so far.

The regular season has come to an end for FK Csíkszereda’s Youth League team as well. Although the final match brought a defeat, head coach Goran Kopunović considers the campaign overall a success. Having joined the Székelyföld Football Academy in the autumn, he reflected on the work done and the team’s progress so far.

“When I arrived at the academy, the president told me how important this project is for the club, especially the U18 team, which hadn’t reached the play-off stage for quite some time. That was a big motivation for me to take the job,” Kopunović explained. “It was a challenge, as I had mostly worked with senior teams before, but I felt this was the right time for me. From the very first day, the players accepted my approach and my philosophy.”

“My goal was to prepare them mentally and tactically for senior football. We brought order and discipline into the locker room, demanded honesty and work ethic – values I truly believe in. The results speak for themselves: out of 11 matches, we won 8, lost 3 – all away – scored 22 goals and conceded 13. A +9 goal difference shows that we played attacking football and always aimed for victory.”

“I wanted to turn them into winners, not losers – that’s what I ask from them every single day. We’re on the right track, but the real challenge begins now. We’re among the top eight academies in Romania, facing 14 matches in the play-off, five of them before the winter break. We start with a big one – an away match against Rapid Bucharest – and we’ll also compete in the Cup, so there’s plenty to focus on.”

“The key is to stay humble and let our football speak for itself. I always tell the players that success comes only through work, work, and more work. I’m grateful to my staff, to technical director Zoltán Dusinszki and president Zoltán Szondy for their continuous support. The tough part is still ahead – we’ll have a strong preparation period this winter to make the team even better for spring.”

“Our main goal is daily improvement, both as a team and individually. If we keep working like this, the results will come. I love seeing my players happy, full of positive energy, and ready to fight for their dreams in senior football. If I can help them even a little on that journey, that makes me the happiest man,” concluded Goran Kopunović.