If you’re wondering what the hell this title is about, just hang in there for a bit. This is my way of saying goodbye to a place I called Home for the last three years. On Instagram posts, you’re limited in characters and surrounded by people who aren’t interested in you reminiscing about the “good old days.” But I’m thankful to Timi for giving me a platform to share my feelings and memories from the last three seasons.
To say it was a rough start would be a big understatement. I had heard the stories about the instability at Olimpija before, but man, did I arrive at a crazy time. I didn’t get any holidays after the National Team, so I came early for preseason. One week after I arrived, there was an internal fight in the club and everything started changing. The only people I knew — the coach and sporting director — were leaving. Fans were showing up at training to kick out a new coach (who hadn’t even arrived yet), and I had no one to ask what the hell was going on.
At Olimpija, coaches rarely last more than a season. So even after a season like that, there was a change. I was never a key piece in Riera’s team, but at least I knew my role. When João Henriques came in, I felt like there was no place for me. That period was really important for my personal development. It’s easy to stay positive and motivated when everything’s going well, but in tough times, I had to adapt. I wanted to be a team player, and I knew that in football, everything can change quickly. João’s reign didn’t last long. He’ll always be remembered as the coach who got Olimpija to the European competition group stage, but the expectations here are even higher.
We were terrible in the league, and Zoran Zeljković was brought in as his replacement. He liked fighters on the pitch, so, of course, I started getting more playing time than the more talented, but maybe less disciplined, Portuguese full-backs. But what had worked so well in Koper didn’t translate to Olimpija. We lacked a clear style and vision. The hard work and fighting spirit faded, and we ended the season in a disastrous way. The same fans who once adored us turned their backs. “The club is a circus. Players without motivation. We came to support a new generation.” That message from the Green Dragons hurt just as much as the boos and empty stands. There’s a thin line between being a hero and a villain…
All of this paved the way for the Victor Sánchez era at Olimpija. I’m really grateful to have worked with two Spanish football giants during my time here. I could write a whole new blog just about the stories and memories from this past year. I was never a fan of Real Madrid (to be honest, I still can’t forget Barcelona from 2008–2012), but with Victor, I got to experience the mentality that makes that club so successful. “We don’t talk in the press, we talk on the pitch,” and “While losers complain, winners try again” — just a few quotes from him that will stay with me for a long time.
Reaching the Conference League group stage from the second qualification round, making the playoffs, fighting for the cup and dominating the league— that’s incredible. It shows how much trust Victor and his staff had in every player. Not everyone had a big role, but everyone contributed to this historic success. I was ready to die on the pitch for him.
When people look back at these three years, I know I won’t be the first name that comes to mind. Olimpija is proud to have produced some of the biggest talents in Slovenian football — current and future national team players. But let’s go back to the title. After one tough away game, my teammate Diogo Pinto made a joke: “Ey, Lasi is like Toyota — you can always trust him.” And that really stuck with me. I’m not a Ferrari or Lamborghini (or whatever sports car you prefer). I’m that old, reliable Toyota in your garage. I played for Olimpija while injured, with a broken nose, got subbed in during the first minute or at halftime, played in different positions and roles. I believe I opened the door for more talented players from my region to come here and prove their worth. This was an unbelievable ride full of ups and downs, and now, it’s time to move on.
