Ivan Perisic is eager to command a regular starting berth for Borussia Dortmund in the upcoming campaign.
The Croatian attacker admitted he did not play as much as he would have liked last season, and despite competition for places this term, he wants to feature from the start consistently after picking up a few pointers from his coach Juergen Klopp.
“The season will be long – we will have many games. I hope that I will play more frequently than I did last year,” Perisic told RuhrNachrichten.
“Last season had a bitter aftertaste, as I did not play quite as much as I would have liked.
“The most important thing I have learned from Juergen Klopp is the way in which I must defend, and also how I should conduct myself if we lose the ball. I had no idea when I arrived – now I know what he wants from me.”
One of the players challenging Perisic for a starting berth at Signal Iduna Park will be new signing Marco Reus, who Perisic feels will be an excellent addition to the squad.
“I think he is an excellent player. Marco is fast, technically strong and dynamic. It is very positive news for us that he has been signed. We will see what effect this has on the squad. Marco can play in all offensive positions,” Perisic said.
Finally, Perisic said competing for Croatia at Euro 2012 was a great honour, even though his country were eliminated in the group stages.
“The tournament was one of the best experiences in my life. I was able to play against great players, and enjoyed the support in the stadiums,” he said.
“These were great experiences, which I will never forget and that will help me in the future.”
