High-flying Luka Jovic might just be Eintracht Frankfurt's future
In his first press conference since his Bundesliga return, he spoke regarding Frankfurt, his injuries and life at Real Madrid.
Luka Jovic was touted to be Karim Benzema’s understudy at Real Madrid on the back of a highly anticipated €60 million move that looked to propel his career at the world’s most successful club. But after two goals and two assists in 32 appearances throughout his first season at Madrid, he traveled back in a six-month loan deal to the club in Germany that established him as one of the world’s top upcoming talents, with the hope of reviving his career and that is what he has exactly done.
Since his arrival at Eintracht Frankfurt, he has played 76 minutes in total and scored three goals – exceeding the goal total from his Real Madrid spell. He came off the bench in his comeback game, on 17 January, and scored a brace as Frankfurt defeated Schalke 3-1.
He has made it clear that his performances at the Spanish capital could be partly attributed to lack of game time. Speaking to the media in his first press conference since returning, he said: “I think it had to do with the little time I was able to play. It's never easy at a team like Real Madrid, where the style is different and the pressure is always very high. That's why it was the best thing to take the step of leaving to come back here."
The striker made it clear that his injuries and off-field problems contributed to his disappointing performances on-field. He said: "I was unlucky. Injuries took their toll on me and I didn't do well in my private life either. I was lucky to have been able to train with the best players in the world on a daily basis. Despite the fact that I wasn't able to have continuity on the pitch, I take a lot of positive things from Madrid."
In his three substitute appearances for Frankfurt this season, he has scored three – two against Schalke and one against Arminia Bielefeld, while SC Freiburg kept him quiet in a 2-2 draw.
The Serbian is content with his return, as he mentioned: “I am happy, very comfortable and it's showing on the pitch. I scored two goals during my time at Real Madrid and three here already. The city, the club and above all the team are made for me."
With his loan term ending in a short while, Jovic is not looking that far ahead as he anticipates a successful stint at Frankfurt. He commented: “I don't want to look to the future. I'm focused on Eintracht. I don't have to prove anything to anyone.”
He believes he hasn’t hit top form yet and will be looking to start on a regular basis for Adi Hutter. Speaking on his current form and injuries, he said: “I still need some time to get back to my best form. At the moment I’m working on a couple of muscular issues, but it’ll be ok. I’m confident that the coach will play me when I’m fully fit.”
His partnership with striker Andre Silva, who is already one of Bundesliga deadliest finishers, is poised to be mouth-watering to say the least,