“Don't leave him alone for even a second!”

• FC Basel – FCSB is scheduled today, from 19:45 on “St. Jakob-Park”. Special reporters Remus Dinu and Cezar Titor are in Switzerland and provide the Gazeta readers with the most relevant information before the Europa League match.

Ahead of the duel between FC Basel and FCSB, the Swiss spoke about the balance of power and the players who can make the difference in St. Jakob Park.

Now 35, the former Olten right-back analyzes FCSB's chances in tonight's clash, explains the transformations FC Basel have gone through and talks about the role that “veteran” Xherdan Shaqiri has in the Swiss's new project.

Martic is unique among compatriots who have been through League 1: no other Swiss footballer has made as many appearances in the Romanian championship (83).

Ivan Martic warns: “Man-to-man marking on Shaqiri! Don't leave him alone for even a second!”

“At the moment, I think FCSB and Basel are on the same level, I don't think either one is superior to the other.

Sure, Basel have a big name, Xherdan Shaqiri, he's their most dangerous player. He has shown at all levels that he is a very good footballer.

But, in my opinion, FC Basel at this moment is not the team we were used to a few years ago. They went through a rebuild, and now they have quite a few young players. Behind this project is a new leader at the executive level, David Degen.

I think Xherdan Shaqiri is an essential part of this project. Without him, Basel is not Basel! If FCSB can stop Shaqiri, I think they can handle the others, the whole team.

We noticed last season, even this season, that opponents started marking Shaqiri man-to-man, which makes his job more difficult. I follow him all over the field! I would recommend FCSB the same, mark one on one, don't leave him alone for even a second!

If they manage to do that at a good level, I think it will be difficult for Basel,” Martic pointed out, exclusively for Gazeta Sporturilor.

Martic continued:

I think if I were to name players with potential from Basel who have a future in the European leagues, I would mention Metinho, he plays as number 6, he is very young, he is 22 years old, he is worth 5 million and he is a very important footballer, I think he has room to progress and can reach an even better championship”.

I said it, FCSB has a lot of quality, I like the players, I like Bîrligea up front, I like Olaru, Tănase, as well as the left back, Radunovic. I think FCSB have a very good team and they can prove it with Basel. I think the result is open here, it depends on the level at which FCSB will perform.

– Ivan Martic, former defender University of Craiova

“Romania is my second home, I miss your country!”

The former full-back of Craiova confesses that he remained connected to our championship, reaffirming his attachment to Romania.

Of course, I follow the Romanian championship. I played for many years in that championship, so for me, Romania is like a second home.

I liked living there and I miss your country because I met a lot of quality people. The country is impressive and, as I said, I miss the moments I spent in Romania.

I hope I can return there, maybe as a coach, but definitely as a tourist, because I will return with an open heart, I have many memories from there”.

He continues with a declaration of love for the University:

“I liked it in Craiova, I loved playing there, I liked the people, I liked the atmosphere. Here, in Switzerland, you can't feel what you feel in Romania at the level of the fans, it's impossible. The culture of Romanian fans is incredible!”.

Ivan Martic in the youth jersey // photo: Facebook

“I hope to become a professional trainer one day”

Currently on the verge of obtaining his licenses to become a licensed coach, Martic admits that he misses the life of a footballer. He is currently an “amateur” coach in his hometown of Uzwil in the canton of St. Gallen. But aim higher:

“At the moment, I'm working on getting my diplomas, now I'm certified for the UEFA B license, I'm following the process and I hope that one day I will be able to become a professional trainer. I feel good, even if I miss my playing career, it was something different”.

What can we learn from the Swiss? “Seriousness”

What would be a particularity that Romanian football should acquire from the Swiss? Martic answers without hesitation:

Ivan Martic has 88 matches in Craiova's shirt / Photo source: Facebook

“I think the seriousness and the obligation to pay the players, to be serious in relation to them!

To stay calm during the more difficult periods, to believe in the players, in the structure of the club, to make a plan for the next five years, to follow the young players in Romania, to give them the opportunity to grow. I think there is real potential in Romanian football, but that also depends on the seriousness of the financial foundations that the clubs have.

Look what Hagi did at the Lighthouse! To let the young guys play, to help them develop to the next level, to help them have the mentality to play in the Top 5 championships.

I hope that one day I will enjoy the Romanian championship again… Many players ask me: «Ivan, how is it in Romania? Can I sign there, how is the country, how is the football?». I can only say good things about Romania, about this country, about people, about football and that I am proud to have been part of the history of Romanian football”!

“I only have compliments for Rotaru! Craiova is an example”

In the end, Martic also remembered his former patron, praising the entire ecosystem in Bănie:

“I can only have compliments for Mr. Mihai Rotarufor the responsibility he has for this club, for keeping it financially stable and managing to pay salaries on time.

He is one of the best financiers in Romanian football. I think that everyone should turn their attention to the University of Craiova and do the same!

I think there would be much more seriousness in this league if everyone did like Craiova, many more good players would come to Romania.

I think that all Romanian football can take as a model how things are going in Craiova. I'm sure every player wants to get to this club, because it's a healthy club with a lot of potential, special fans, a very nice stadium and an excellent football culture.