Hannover 1896, my home town Club, is back in Germanys' second League. That means, I can watch and talk to the Aussies in that Division. The first, of the few, who came to Hannover, was David Zdrilic, the former star from Sydney United. So I moved to the big Niedersachsen Stadium to see Ulm playing. It was an average game, with Zdrilic playing well. He was a danger to Hannovers defence and had a few chances, a good player in a good Team. He looked a little bit overweight, maybe because of the good food in Germany. (””hh)

The game ended in a 1-1 draw, and Ulm was happy, because they are in the top half of the table at the moment. They came straight from the third League, and they surprised everyone with their great performance. After the game, I walked straight up to David.

Andre Kr¸ger: David, welcome to Hannover. What do you think about the German soccer in the second League. Is it stronger than Australia's A-League?

David Zdrilic: Thank you. German Soccer is very exciting and I am happy with my move here. This is a stronger League than the A- League. The players are physically stronger and technically better.

A.K: SSV Ulm is new in this Division, do you think the team can stay at one of the top places?

D.Z: Anything can happen. This is my first season in Germany, so I haven't any experience in this League. However, I think we have a good team and we have the potential to stay in the top places as long as we continue to play with the same consistency.

A.K: In 1997 you were top scorer in Australia with Sydney United. What is your aim for this year? How many goals do you want to score ?

D.Z: I have not set myself a goal scoring target as I am still improving as a player and I do not want to play only for goals, but to be satisfied with playing consistently well every game and if I do this, goals will come.

A.K: What do you think about your chances to play in the First Division? Do you want to change clubs in the near future? Do you think you are strong enough to play in the 1. Bundesliga?

D.Z: I believe that I will eventually be playing in the 1. Bundesliga. I am young and ambitious and I would love to play First Division German Football. I still have work to do, however I am in the right place at the moment and I hope that we do well this year. Then I will see what options I have.

A.K: You had a very good start at Ulm. First game, first goal. What do you think about the German defenders? Is it more difficult to score in Deutschland, Switzerland or Australia?

D.Z: I found it difficult in Switzerland as the team I played for were very defensive. However I am confident that I can score goals in this League. In Australia I had a lot of success with scoring goals.

A.K: Many things have changed Down Under, Venables and Hill are gone. What do you think about the chance to play for Australia? Do you want to play for your country?

D.Z: Yes, I want to play for Australia again. This depends on my form in Europe and who is the coach, so I really don't think about it much at the moment.

A.K: Do you have contact with other Aussies in the second League, like Juric (D¸sseldorf), Middleby (Uerdingen), Sekulic (Mainz)?

D.Z: No, I have not had a chance. However I will play against Sekulic and Juric in the coming weeks.

A.K: Do you like to play in Germany? Is it hard for you, (away from your family and the good weather), to stay here?

D.Z: I had a very bad time in Switzerland and I was very homesick there. However in Germany it is much better for me, I have many good friends already and the important thing is that the football suits my style.

A.K: Let me know something about your plans in the future. The Socceroos, the Olympic Games, you're very young and you were one of the best forwards in Australia.

D.Z: I plan to establish myself in Germany and try to keep improving my game which I hope will lead to International appearances and hopefully First Bundesliga.

A.K: David, good luck for the future. Do you want to say something to your fans in Australia. Is there a chance to see you once again in the A-League?

D.Z: I would like to say Hi and thanks to all my fans in Australia. I hope to play again in Australia after I finish my career in Europe.

A.K: Thank you for the interview.

D.Z: I have to say thanks

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