Marezi’s fighting promise as he delivers Fratton Park verdict after sampling ferocious Cardiff City atmosphere
The striker known as Marezi spoke of his Fratton experience and adapting to the Championship, after an impressive display against Cardiff City.
Marko Milovanović admitted to being stunned by Fratton’s fierce atmosphere as he savoured winning the Cardiff fight.
And the new Pompey favourite targeted a maiden season of Championship goals, as he vowed he’ll relish the physicality of English football.
Marezi: ‘I didn’t expect the atmosphere to be that good, but yes it is’
Milovanović grabbed his second goal of the season in the 2-0 success over the Bluebirds and had an impressive header narrowly ruled out for offside in the second half.
It was an impressive display for the man known as Marezi on an emotional day, as Pompey paid tribute to Alan Knight following his death this week.
Those feelings transferred to the atmosphere building in the first half as the home side pushed forward after a shaky opening.
Conor Shaughnessy’s header was doubled by Milovanović’s finish seven minutes after the restart, as he went toe-to-toe with the Cardiff back line.
And the £3.2m capture from UD Almeria loved coming out on top on an occasion he soaked up.
Milovanović said: ‘It’s an amazing feeling.
‘I almost scored twice, but I guess we can keep that for the next game. We enjoyed the celebration though!
‘I cannot explain the atmosphere here with words, it’s a different feeling.
‘I didn’t expect the atmosphere to be that much and to be that good, but, yes, it is.
‘My confidence is always top, but the most important thing is to win games - so I’m glad we did.
‘If you watch the game you will see (he is adapting), I feel I’m adapting really well to be honest.
‘I like the physicality, I like that. I like to fight - and I think today I won!
‘I don’t think I’m a hero, but the supporters seem to like me, we’ve played well and won.’
Milovanović is now six games into his Pompey career with his display against Cardiff certainly his best since his high-profile arrival.
Now the aim is clear from the big Serb, as he targets remaining on the goal trail and building on the momentum he now has.
Milovanović added: ‘It’s going so well. Maybe there will be tough times, but it’s good - I hope I score 50 goals here!
‘There is no goal target. The important thing is to play well and then the goals will come - like this game.
‘I could’ve scored twice, but I missed and then the goal did not count.
‘I don’t know what the target is, but we need to focus on what’s next. It’s a long season with 46 games, so it’s next game, next game and next game.’