According to an interview with the Austrian, he didn't even speak with the goalkeeper about it. A lost season followed, during which Stankovic was not in the squad and also not part of the training camp.
In the past season, he was clubless, but apparently kept fit with a personal trainer. "He is in an absolutely fit condition. What he currently lacks is match practice," said GAK sporting director Tino Wawra during the goalkeeper's presentation.
GAK "Clearly" Backs Stankovic
So, is the 33-year-old a guaranteed starter for the Graz club? "Yes, absolutely. We're not bringing Cican in for the bench," answered head coach Ferdinand Feldhofer at the ADMIRAL Bundesliga Media Day.
Although Stankovic had to go two years without match practice, the GAK coach sees no medium-term risk with the signing. "We still have Jakob Meierhofer (as number two, ed.)." Although he emphasized that they would have to see how quickly Stankovic is "really ready."
A Very Good Impression
Furthermore, the new signing seems to have presented himself well from the start: "As it stands, Cican makes an extremely serious and professional impression."
"That's why we have no concerns now," emphasizes the 46-year-old. However, Feldhofer is also aware that something could always happen: "Then we would have to react. But the transfer window is still open for a very long time."
Why Juri Kirchmayr is Not Yet a Challenger
Some GAK fans would have wished that the talented Juri Kirchmayr would stay with the club precisely after or because of Stankovic's signing.
During his loan spell at FAC, the 20-year-old had his first chance to prove himself at a professional level. And he convinced. In 28 games, Kirchmayr conceded only 18 goals, kept 15 clean sheets, and was therefore selected for LAOLA1's LigaZwa Team of the Season.
However, an open competition for the number one jersey at GAK was apparently not an issue. Feldhofer explains: "It was important for us not to just have Juri sitting on the bench."
"He should develop," emphasizes the coach. That's why Kirchmayr was again loaned to the ADMIRAL 2. Liga, this time to promoted club Wacker Innsbruck.
