Stefan Umjenovic

“I was able to learn a lot from him”

Stefan Umjenovic and his Dornbirn team have recently celebrated three wins in a row.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Dornbirn defender Stefan Umjenovic spoke to the "Krone" about the special "training sessions" with his brother Aleksandar, the emotions of interim coach Eric Orie and the upcoming match against Vienna.

"My main task is and remains to prevent goals," Dornbirn central defender Stefan Umjenovic makes clear ahead of the second division home match against Vienna on Friday (18/10). "The fact that I've been involved in our wins in the last two rounds with my penalty goals is of course cool." But that's not surprising, as his older brother Aleksandar has been one of the most reliable goal scorers in the Ländle-Unterhaus for years. "As a child, we often used to shoot penalties in the garden," reveals the 28-year-old, adding with a grin: "As long as you scored, you were allowed to keep shooting. I often stood in goal for a long time and was able to learn a lot."

Aleksandar Umjenovic (l. in Wolfurt kit with Idiano Lima) is a legend in Vorarlberg's lower division.(Bild: Maurice Shourot)

Derby as a "can opener"
After three wins in a row, the mood at the Rothosen is much better again. "The derby win at Bregenz was a can opener, a jolt went through the team," says Stefan. "There's a completely different atmosphere in the dressing room now." Sports director Eric Orie, who is also working as interim coach following the voluntary departure of Roman Ellensohn, has played a big part in this. "Eric has created a spirit of optimism and brought in completely new emotions."

Stefan Umjenovic (right) has settled in well in Dornbirn.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Ready for Vienna
This energy should also help them score points against Vienna. "Like in their 7:3 win against St. Pölten, they will rely on their very fast transition game," believes Umjenovic. "But we are prepared for that."