Milos Veljkovic and SVW got the new season off to a confident start with a 3-1 DFB-Pokal win against Energie Cottbus, before then taking home a point in the Bundesliga opener against FC Augsburg. Now that the first two competitive matches of the season are complete, the first home game is just around the corner. “It will be a high-level contest with both teams wanting to play out from the back,” said Veljkovic.
The defender played the full 90 minutes of both games and is satisfied with the start to the campaign: “We had a solid start to the season. We did a good job in the Pokal and then in Augsburg for most of the game as well, especially with the ball.” Veljkovic feels comfortable in Werder's back line. The right-footed player is ultimately happy to slot into any defensive position. “I've also played on the left in the national team,” said the Werder man, who switched from left to right centre-back for the second half against Augsburg. This flexibility is also appreciated by head coach Ole Werner. “Milos also did excellently as a right-footer on the left.”
The 28-year-old feels at home both on and off the pitch: “I used to watch the Bundesliga a lot, back when Werder were one of the top three clubs, so I’m proud to be playing here. I am happy in Bremen.” The Serbian has been at SVW since 2016 and has played 182 games during his time at the club. Veljkovic was also an integral part of the Serbia national team at this year's European Championship, where they faced England, Denmark and Slovenia in Group C. Despite good performances, it was ultimately not enough to reach the knockout rounds.
Focus now switches to the first home game of the season against Borussia Dortmund. “We’re expecting a top team. They have a new coach and perhaps a new philosophy,” said Veljkovic, regarding the upcoming clash. The visitors started the new season with a 2-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt. The Green-Whites have shown that they can compete with big names, for example with their 1-0 win against FC Bayern last season, and the Werder man expects another “high-level contest” on Saturday.
