Jozo Stanic is not a technician - but a fighter. The FCSG defender relies on mentality, hardness in duels and balance in boxing training. Ahead of the top match against Lugano, he talks about passion, belief and his path to becoming a crowd favorite in St. Gallen.
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- Jozo Stanic, defender for FC St. Gallen, is known for his tough style of play and emphasizes that he comes above all through mentality and strength in tackles.
- In addition to football, the 26-year-old regularly trains in boxing, which helps him physically and mentally and also benefits his game.
- Belief plays a central role in his life, while St. Gallen have the chance to extend their lead in the table in the top match against Lugano.
Jozo Stanic has made a name for himself in the Super League. The tough-as-nails defender always gives his all for Grünweiss and has thus etched his way into the hearts of FCSG supporters. Stanic admits that he is not the greatest technician. "It's just the way I play on the pitch. I just come from the mentality, from the duel," explains the German-Croatian dual national.
"I was always very, very tough in tackles from a young age, sometimes very impetuous. I've developed well over the years. I've become much fairer in tackles," Stanic emphasizes. He simply loves to give his all on the pitch, which is why it is sometimes "very intense". He has already seen nine yellow cards this season, but Stanic has never been sent off.
As a child, it was always a question of whether he would go boxing or play football. "I always wanted to go boxing, but my father always preferred football," reveals Stanic. But he also really enjoyed football.
Boxing as an advantage - and faith as an anchor
But his passion for martial arts remained. "I've been going back to boxing training for several years now. I just really enjoy doing it. It's a good balance for me. A lot of people always think you just punch yourself in the nose," says Stanic. But that's not always the case. "You also have circuit training, endurance training or coordination for your legs," which also helps him a lot for football, the 26-year-old emphasizes. He moved from Augsburg to eastern Switzerland in September 2023 and has since played 84 competitive matches.
Faith plays a "very big role" in his life. He also has a large Jesus tattoo on his back. "I actually give thanks at every game that I get to play in front of so many people at Kybunpark," Stanic explains. He doesn't take that for granted.
Faith simply gives him "peace in my life". No wonder he raves about the cathedral in the center of St. Gallen: "I really like being there and having time for myself, having my peace and quiet," says Stanic.
The central defender is also hoping for a quiet evening on Saturday. Second-placed FCSG will host third-placed Lugano at home. With a win in the chasing duel, the Espen could extend their lead over the Ticino side to 8 points.
