Andrew Barisic has achieved what many young football fans only dream of. Eight years living the life of a professional footballer, stints in Europe, Asia and our very own A - League is a big achievement for the 6 ft 2 striker from the nations capital. As we talk to Andrew via twitter and email from his base in Kolkata India, you just know he seems a nice guy. You sense that typical Croatian / Aussie mentality of never wanting to give up. You have to give it to Andrew for going outside his comfort zone, testing his ability in countries many of his peers would never entertain. We talk everything from Clive Palmer to India's I - League, I hope you all enjoy our chat with Andrew Barisic as much we did.
1. You started your career in the VPL with Melbourne Knights - why did you go the VPL and not the NSWPL being a
Canberra boy ?.
After my return from my stint in Germany, I was
approached straight away by Melbourne Knights through my agent. Due to it being
a Croatian based club and my background being Croatian it felt like a perfect
match. I was also drawn to Melbourne Knights through their history of previous
players and the careers they had gone on to have.
2. In saying that we here tremendous
things about the VPL?.
The VPL is definitely one of the best state leagues in
Australia and a stepping stone to a Professional career.
3. You then moved to Germany,
looking back was that the right move for you?.
I don’t regret the move as I gained a lot of
experiences that I wouldn’t normally have experienced in Australia, such as the
professionalism. At that stage of my move to Germany, there was a transition
that wasn’t completely formed from NSL to the A-League which meant a one year
break of professional football.
4. What do you think was the best thing
you learnt in Germany?.
I was extremely fortunate to have Joe Simunic mentor
me throughout my time in Germany. This gave me a completely different insight
on football both on and off the field. He showed me many ways to handle the
game professionally and mentally.
5. Then we all got to know you from
your stint at Gold Coast United, there was a lot of talk about the
club, as a player what was it really like, did you really use Clive's
private jet for away games?.
I was really excited when I initially signed at GCU.
My time there had a lot of highs and lows. We had a fantastic team of players
that was capable of winning and succeeding greatly both on the Australian and
Asian football stage. Off the field, things distracted the players and with not
knowing their futures or standings for them and their families proved to be
costly. We were lucky enough to use Mr Palmer jet both Internationally and
Interstate for games and aspects like this made us feel very well looked after
by Mr Palmer.
6. What did the players think about
the support on the Gold Coast, was it hard to turn up for games sometimes?.
It is never hard to give your everything for a game
and at that stage I was yet to play in Asia and realize true support for the
game. Football has a lot of growing to do in Australia to reach a true fan
based support, which I think western Sydney Wanderers is the only team that are
fortunate to have this support at the moment.
7. Where do you think Clive and GCU
went wrong?.
I believe there is a lot of misunderstanding of the
politics of football off the field which in turn effects the football on the
field.
8. What about the Mitch Cooper debacle
did Miron get that wrong?.
At that time I had left to play in Indonesia and
therefore did not see every aspect of what went on behind closed doors. As an
outsider I thought the pressure given to such a young player as well as all the
other drama at the club was a poor decision and not healthy for the players.
9. If done properly could An A- League team survive on the Gold Coast?.
Definitely.
10. Being a Canberra boy, could a A- League team in Canberra be successful?.
Definitely. I was actually extremely excited when the
talk started of a Canberra A-League team. A lot of good players have come out
of Canberra and it would be a fantastic opportunity to give back to the place
where it all began for many.
11. Onto your time in Indonesia , you
scored goals for fun did you enjoy your time there?.
After a hard time at GCU I was so happy and thankful
to finally have a team believe in me and showcase my capabilities. This made it
a happy time for me and aloud me to take my football to the next level.
12. What was Indonesia like to live?.
We were fortunate to be very well looked after by the
club as well as playing in the second largest Indonesian city, therefore it was
a fairly easy transition.
13. Now you play in India for the
east Bengal Lions, we here great things about Indian football how does it
compare to your previous clubs?.
The biggest difference between both my Indonesian and
Indian club compared to my time in Australia is the loyalty and passion of the
fans towards the game and players. As Sepp Blatter stated “Indian football is a
sleeping giant”, which I agree with and am excited with talks of a football
version of the IPL.
14. Culturally have you found it
hard?.
At times it can definitely be challenging. One thing
ive learnt in football is that it doesn’t matter if your playing in Germany or
India, without family and your usual comforts of home it can always be
difficult at times but you always have to do your best to adapt and be as
comfortable and happy as possible so that you can enjoy the game you love and
play your best.
15. There are a few Aussies plying
there trade there now, it must be great as a professional footballer that there
are more leagues available to you?.
Of course, with any profession the more opportunities
there are the better off you will be in progressing your career.
16. Tolgay Ozbey has said he will
most likely finish his career in India, are you on the same page as him?.
I am truly not sure as football can change daily.
However, if Indian football keeps heading in the direction its following then
that could definitely be an option.
17. If an A League team came in
for you would you consider returning home?.
I would never rule any opportunity out, however from
what I have experienced in Asia it provides a far better opportunity to set
myself and my family up for the future.
18. Plans after football?.
I am extremely thankful that the PFA have
provided a scholarship program that allows me to undergo my Building and
Construction license that helps me to set myself up for a career outside of
football. I think it extremely important for players to invest smartly in there
futures after football. I am currently undergoing several projects to make my
transition an easy one.
Andrew plays every three days in a packed schedule in India, insidetheboxFC would like to sincerely thank him for taking the time to answer our questions.
