Memisevic joins FSV Erlangen-Bruck from USL Pro City Islanders

Q:  Haris, can you give the audience a quick introduction? Where are you from and where have you competed last?

A:  First of all thank you for taking the time to interview me. I was actually born in Nuremberg, Germany but my parents are from Bosnia. Most recently I have played for USL Pro side Harrisburg City Islanders where I competed for one season. It was great for me because I learned a lot in my time there and I gained a lot of experience. Growing up my dad taught me everything I knew about the game. I owe a lot of my success to him and my family for their support all these years.

Q:  I’m sure you watched the World Cup and naturally had some interest in seeing Germany play. How was this experience?

A:  The fact that I was in Germany to watch the World Cup was great, but seeing them go all the way to win it was surreal. The people in Germany were so proud to see their country win it after so many years. I honestly believe they deserved to win it because they were strong in every aspect of the game. It was definitely a great experience, and one I will never forget in my time here in Germany.

Q:  Prior to coming to Germany what was your background of the football landscape of the country? Did you follow the German Bundesliga?

A:  When it comes to watching football I always favored the German league. It’s an exciting league to watch and I think that the league is still growing because not many people in the United States follow the Bundesliga. I am looking forward to this upcoming season.

Q: Getting back on track here with your personal development and recent success in finding a club, can you touch base on the trialing process and what coaches are trying to identify from players that are on trial? What can some prospective players looking to use our services look out for? In a sense what is the training atmosphere like? Can you talk about the different levels also?

A: Coming of a tough injury (MCL Sprain) I knew when I returned to training that one of the main things I would need to work on was getting my fitness up. The trial with Erlangen-Bruck was pretty straight forward. We started with a warm up and stretch and then we went into some tactical drills. After that we played a few small sides games to see where everyone was at, and then we ended training with fitness. The atmosphere at training is very serious, the players know that they have to work really hard to impress (especially during the preseason). As for future players interested in the program, I can only say good things as it is a great chance for young players to kick start their football career.

Q:  How do you see yourself fitting into this years squad? Have you identified a position that you think you can exploit and add some needed energy to?

A:  This years squad is looking very strong. All the players are working hard to try and prove that they can compete in the Bayernliga. There is competition in every position and I like that because it can only help me improve as a player. As for me, I think I can fit well in this club. The reason I chose them over any other club is because they suit my style of play. As a center forward the best way I can contribute and show my value to the club is by the goals I score, so I am working hard to break into the first team’s starting 11.

Q: Can you describe your approach coming into this new adventure, having previously competed with USL Pro side Harrisburg City Islanders?

A: When I found out about the IFX program I wanted to look into it and see how it could benefit me. I saw that this was a great opportunity for me to start my career in Germany. As for my time with the City Islanders I can say that I gained a lot of experience and matured as a player. I thought I had a good season with them, but I can’t take one good season for granted as there is always room for improvement.

Q:  Lastly what are your main objectives as a player this season? Obviously you are still in a developmental age and there are things to improve on. What are some of those objectives for you personally?

A: This season my main objective is to help the team in any way possible. The goal is to win the Bayernliga and to get promoted into the Youth Bundesliga, but we have a long way to go. I want to contribute to the team with my goals and help the team win as many games as possible. This team has set big goals for the season and I hope I can be a big part in helping the team reach all their goals.

Haris, thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for our readers. We will be sure to monitor your progression with FSV Erlangen-Bruck this season.