Young star Koren already attracting attention from fans

Slovenia's national football team is gearing up for upcoming friendly matches against Cyprus and Croatia. The squad, led by coach Boštjan Cesar, welcomed young fans at Brdo pri Kranju, who eagerly sought autographs from the players, including newcomer Tian Naij Koren.

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It's a good thing that I'm his son. He achieved a lot in his career. Whatever they call me, it's fine. I like playing football and I enjoy it.

Koren, the 16-year-old son of former national team player Robert Koren, is considered a significant talent. He recently completed a successful season with Club Brugge's youth team in Belgium. Despite his rising profile, Koren stated he doesn't feel the pressure of his lineage. "It's a good thing that I'm his son. He achieved a lot in his career," Koren said, adding that he simply enjoys playing football. He also downplayed the "wonderkid of Slovenian football" label.

This marks Koren's first call-up to the senior national team. "I hope I get to play. We'll see. My job is to help the team," he expressed, noting his good rapport with teammates and coaches. "I feel good. This is an extra reward for hard work. I am happy and proud."

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I hope I get to play. We'll see. My job is to help the team. I get along well with my teammates, the coach, the trainers. I feel good. This is an extra reward for hard work. I am happy and proud.

Veteran striker Andraž Šporar, one of the more experienced players, shared his thoughts on Koren's potential. "It's clear he's very talented. We talk to him, guide him on the field, and make sure he feels accepted so he can show his talent, which he definitely has," Šporar commented. Šporar himself is returning after a break due to issues at the end of the season, having last played on April 8. "My head is with the national team. I wanted to be here. I'm finally training normally after some complications at the end of the season. I hope for some minutes," he said.

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It's clear he's very talented. We talk to him, guide him on the field, and make sure he feels accepted so he can show his talent, which he definitely has.

Šporar also touched upon the team's tactical approach for the upcoming matches. "Every coach has his ideas. We saw certain changes in the first two games in March. I can't say exactly what we did in training, but we will try to implement it on the field, first on Thursday and then on Sunday," he explained. The striker also mentioned he would be supporting Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo in the upcoming World Cup.

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My head is with the national team. I wanted to be here. I'm finally training normally after some complications at the end of the season. I hope for some minutes.