Former Tyrolean Sandi Ogrinec is one of 60 professionals from Slovenia to have played in the Austrian Bundesliga to date. Ahead of the duel between his home country and his former adopted country, the former U-21 national player talks about the starting position, the Sesko factor and why his team-mates end up in Austria so often.
Sandi Ogrinec spent more than two years at WSG Tirol.Free GEPA pictures,
In the Nations League, Austria, Slovenia and Norway are in a neck-and-neck race for group victory. Did you expect such a close friend?
Nations League B – 6th match day
I expected that because Slovenia and Austria performed well at the European Championships and both have strong teams. Norway has some weapons in its ranks with stars like Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, so I expected it to be very difficult for all nations. Therefore, it is difficult to judge who will be the lucky winner in the end.
Do you think that… She was Home country can keep up with Austria and Norway?
Slovenia played very well this year and last year. There is a very positive development in the team and the coach has made a very good choice. We have a good mix of very experienced players like Jan Oblac and young talents like Benjamin Sesko. There are some very strong professionals, so it’s no surprise that progress has been so good in the last year or so. However, Slovenia’s form has been a bit hot and cold lately, so we need to get some consistency back.
How much did the successful qualification for the European Championships and promotion to the round of 16, where you only lost to Portugal on penalties, boost your home country?
In general, football in Slovenia has taken a big step forward. Everything about it has improved compared to before, also thanks to the success of the national team. This has also had an impact on club football, where many improvements have taken place and the level of the sport has increased. That’s why some players from the league are in the national team again, that’s a very positive development.
The first leg between It’s me home and It’s me former adopted home finished with 1:1. Looking forward to yourself i Second leg to duel so close?
I think it will be a difficult game for both teams. Slovenia is a very compact team that is very solid at the back and is waiting for a counter attack. With Benjamin Sesko you have a perfect player for this. The Austrians also have a good team and many legionnaires in strong leagues who have been playing together for many years. They play very direct football and are always looking forward. The home advantage suits them too, so you’re an easy favorite. But in football, small things always decide between a win and a win and both teams have their qualities.
In the first duel Benjamin Sesko scored the opening goal. Will we have to pay close attention again this time?
You have to keep a close eye on Benjamin Sesko anyway because we have never had a player like him in Slovenia. I can’t think of anyone from the past who had such personality and talent. Sure, we had Zlatko Zahovic and at the moment we have Jan Oblak, who is in very good form again at the moment, but Sesko is on another level. He has qualities that cannot be described.
You also played against him during your time at WSG Tirol. What sets it apart?
He’s just a complete attacker. He is fast, strong, tall, has good technique, can handle the ball with his right and left and is very down to earth. He can easily score 20 to 30 goals in a season if everything goes right, and he is still very young. At Leipzig he is also at a good club where he can continue to improve. We also have the same agent from whom I always hear nothing but the best things about his development. I am sure he will do great things and play for the biggest clubs in
With Sesko and goalkeeper Jan Oblak, the Slovenian team has two star players. How do you see your home country in general?
If you combine the qualities of these two with the team spirit of the rest of the team, it is very difficult to beat them. In Slovenia it is always the case that one or two players stand out, or the team thrives on a strong team structure. Everything is built around that. This means that a different professional is rewarded in each game. In the game against Kazakhstan it was Jan Mlakar, before that Sesko and last year also Benjamin Verbic. This fact makes the Slovenian national team so special.
Several national players such as Sesko, Horvat and Gorenc Stankovic played or are still playing in Austria. Advantage for the upcoming duel?
That can certainly help them, especially as Sesko has completely internalized Red Bull football and knows how these teams attack and defend. Horvat and Gorenc Stankovic have also played against them many times and Sturm has also adapted his playing style, so it will certainly benefit the national team to be able to draw on such experience.
It is often said that Slovenians have an Austrian mentality. (…) At the same time we also have the fiery spirit from the Balkan states, which together makes a good mix.
Sandi Ogrinec explains why so many Slovenians end up in Austria
Boss of the Slovenian team Matjaz Kek has been around for over six years. As a former GAK player, he also has Austrian experience. What makes this special connection between Austria and Slovenia?
Geographical proximity certainly plays a big role, but Slovenians are often said to have an Austrian attitude. We’re quite similar to that (laughs). At the same time we have the fiery spirit from the Balkan states, which makes a good mix together. This makes it easier to adapt and get on in Austria. In addition, it is a good step forward from the sporting point of view compared to the Slovenian league, where you can improve little by little. Slovenians bring us a special mix.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Sandi Ogrinec
Time.news Editor: Good day, Sandi! Thank you for joining us today. As a former player in the Austrian Bundesliga and now an expert on Slovenian football, your insight comes at an exciting time with Slovenia facing Austria in the Nations League. How are you feeling about this matchup?
Sandi Ogrinec: Thank you for having me! The atmosphere is certainly buzzing, and I find it exhilarating. Both teams have shown impressive form lately, and it’s shaping up to be a close contest. Given my history in Austria, it feels even more special.
Editor: Absolutely! Both Slovenia and Austria are in a tight race in Group B of the Nations League. Did you anticipate such competitiveness when the groups were drawn?
Ogrinec: I did expect it. Both Slovenia and Austria performed admirably in the European Championships, and with Norway’s star-studded squad, including players like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, I knew it wouldn’t be straightforward for anyone. The battle for group victory is intense.
Editor: Speaking of Slovenia, how do you rate the team’s chances of keeping pace with Austria and Norway?
Ogrinec: I believe Slovenia can definitely keep up. The team has improved significantly over the last couple of years. With a blend of seasoned players like Jan Oblak and gifted young talents like Benjamin Sesko, they have a strong foundation. That said, consistency will be crucial, as the team has displayed some fluctuations in form recently.
Editor: It’s fascinating to hear about the team’s evolution. How much did Slovenia’s successful qualification for the European Championships and advancing to the round of 16 influence the national football landscape?
Ogrinec: Tremendously! The success of the national team has elevated football in Slovenia significantly, leading to improvements at all levels, including club football. More players are getting recognized and making their way into the national setup, which is a great sign for the future.
Editor: Looking back at the first leg, which ended in a draw, do you think the rematch will bring out different strategies from both sides?
Ogrinec: Yes, I anticipate a more tactical game. Slovenia is known for its compact defensive structure, often looking for counter-attacking opportunities, especially with a talent like Sesko leading the charge. Austria has its strengths too, with many players in strong leagues playing a direct style. Home advantage may favor Austria, but it will ultimately come down to execution on the day.
Editor: Speaking of Benjamin Sesko, who scored in the first leg, how important is he for Slovenia’s chances?
Ogrinec: Benjamin is crucial. He’s a unique talent—something Slovenia hasn’t seen before. The combination of his physical attributes, technical skills, and maturity at such a young age make him a player to watch. He has the potential to score a lot of goals and can change the dynamics of a game.
Editor: You’ve played against him during your time at WSG Tirol. What sets Sesko apart from other players?
Ogrinec: He’s a complete forward—quick, strong, technically gifted, and versatile. The ability to use both feet is rare, and he has a calm demeanor on the pitch. With the right opportunities, he could easily net 20 to 30 goals in a season. Given his environment at Leipzig, he’s in the perfect place to develop even further.
Editor: With both Sesko and Jan Oblak as cornerstones of the team, how do you perceive Slovenia’s overall potential going into key matches like this one?
Ogrinec: When you combine the skills of these two with the cohesive spirit of the whole team, Slovenia becomes a tough opponent. Historically, we’ve often relied on individual talents, but now we have a strong team structure where different players shine in each match. That’s what makes Slovenia special.
Editor: Several players, including Sesko and others, have experience in the Austrian league. Will that give Slovenia a tactical edge in this upcoming duel?
Ogrinec: Definitely! Having that experience in the Austrian league can benefit our players, particularly as they know the playing style and tactics employed by their opponents. This familiarity could be influential in executing our game plan effectively.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Sandi! As a former player with connections to both sides, your perspective is incredibly valuable. Best of luck to Slovenia in their upcoming match!
Ogrinec: Thank you! I’m looking forward to it, and may the best team win!