CLUB NEWS, A-SQUAD NEWS

STIPE RADIC: "BEERSCHOT FIRST... AND THEN ALL THE REST"

Last Sunday night against Racing Genk Mike Vanhamel - with his three world saves - and Moses Caicedo - with his breathtaking performance - got all the praise for Beerschot's nice 2-0 win. In the heart of our defense however Stipe Radic deserved the same accolade. The Croatian youth international played a blinder, ruled and divided, and has become 'the leader of the pack' in Beerschot's back four. Yesterday afternoon he joined us for an interesting and fun chat.

During last season's winter mercato, and at the young age of 20, Radic swapped Split for Antwerpen and at the same time Hajduk for Beerschot. A clear choice from a self-conscious footballer who dreams of an international breakthrough. He waved goodbye to his easy life at mum and dad's house, put his university studies "sports management" on hold after two years and broke off the relationship with his girlfriend.
 
"I felt that I had to take those steps in order to make my footballing dreams come true", Stipe says. "At Hajduk Split I had been waiting long enough to get into the first team, so when the opportunity to join Beerschot came round I decided almost immediately to take the plunge. So I started a whole new chapter in my life, both on and off the field. A perfect way to grow up, so to say. I haven't regretted it ever since."

Stipe Radic was eleven when he left his local team NK Solin to join Croatian top club Hajduk Split. Originally as a forward. Five years later retrained into a central defender.

"Hajduk's academy was an eye opener, I was called up to reperesent my country in all youth categories and made it to brink of the first team. My ultimate boy's dream has always been to play in one of the better competitions in Western Europe so when Beerschot repeatedly asked me to come to Belgium I agreed. My parents, who were present during the negotiations, supported me all the way... and off I went. At the beginning Antwerpen was another world for me but my integration went smoothly. Coach Will Still took me under his wings, had faith in me and immediately put me in his starting XI for the derby against Antwerp and also for the next two games against KV Mechelen, the first one in the FA Cup, the second one a league match. That got the ball rolling. I didn't experience any problems with life off the pitch either. Going to the supermarket, clean up my flat, making dinner for myself... it took a while to get used to all that. But I have mastered it."

At the start of the season, with Peter Maes as new coach, you lost your place in the starting eleven...

"That's right and it surprised me to be honest. I was on the bench for three games. I never panicked though, worked even harder during the training sessions and reclaimed my spot. When Peter Maes was sacked and mister Torrente came in as his successor I became an ever present again. I am still quite young at 21 but during my short period as a footballer I have already played under eight coaches: five at Hajduk Split and three at Beerschot. It looks as if coaches are sacked or leave the club in a fast way whenever I am there. Actually I hope that mister Torrente will stay at Beerschot for a long time to come. The way he revamped the team, introduced new dynamics and transmits his footballing ideas is exceptional. On top of that he created a good atmosphere in the dressing room."

Since Fré Frans's injury you have become the new leader in the Beerschot defense. Admirable for someone at your young age.
 
"I have always wanted to direct and lead my team mates. Also here at Beerschot as I feel this team needs that. Even now when he is out inured for the next couple of months Fré Frans still plays a major role in my integration. He talks a lot to me,, gives me good advice and evaluates my performances. I learn from his every week and I can't be grateful enough for his help. As a team we are on the right track now: unbeaten in four games, when we take that FA Cup match in account as well, 7 points out of a possible 9 in the league. Also those clean sheets of lately give us more confidence." 

You are getting more and more popular with our fans as well.

"I enjoy that immensely. I can feel that our supporters like me and how I defend. It is a dream come true."

What other dreams do you have?

"Playing for Real Madrid at the Bernabeu one day. The Spanish top club is ever so popular in Croatia, thanks to Luka Modric who is by far the best footballer in our country. At the moment I focus on Beerschot and Beerschot only. I thank the board of directors for giving me the opportunity to play here in Belgium where I can develop further as a professional footballer. I rate the Belgian league. It is far more competitive than Croatia. In my home country there are only four top teams who divide the titles between them. In the Belgian league however the bottom team can beat the champions. That unpredictability pulls up the level. My famlily and friends follow my and Beerschot's performances and achievements. I send them the link for our games... and receive feedback afterwards, which is nice and helpful."

Any hobbies?

"Yeah, doing my shopping, cleaning my flat and make food. Hahaha... And I go to the popular 'Het Eilandje' neighbourhood in Antwerpen where the Croatian community in the city gathers. It is always nice to have a chat there, watch a bit of telly and have a drink or a bit to eat with fellow Croatians."

As a young bachelor, have you set your eyes on some Belgian girls yet?

"No, I've got no time for that. Maybe later. Beerschot comes first. Then the girls..."

By Danny Geerts
Photo: Jan Mees

 

Jupiler Pro League

1 K. Beerschot V.A. 50 pts
2 SK Lommel 48 pts
3 K.M.S.K Deinze 46 pts
4 F.C.V. Dender E.H 45 pts
5 Patro Eisden Maasmechelen 43 pts