Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic relocated to Seattle after an unsatisfactory season at Atletico Madrid, where she faced challenges such as a disconnect with the club’s environment and health issues. In contrast, her experience in the USA offers more freedom and respect for players. With new coach Pia Sundhage, Crnogorcevic feels rejuvenated and is optimistic about her role in the upcoming European Championship, emphasizing the importance of adapting to challenges and supporting emerging talents within the team.
Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic’s Move to Seattle: A Fresh Start
In August, Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic made a significant change in her career by relocating to Seattle to join the Seattle Reign after a single season with Atletico Madrid. Reflecting on her time in Madrid, she shares that it wasn’t a fulfilling experience for her.
Challenges Faced in Madrid
Crnogorcevic admits that her stint at Atletico Madrid was the first time she made a club decision that ultimately didn’t suit her. She felt a disconnect with the football style and the overall atmosphere at the club.
She elaborates on her experience, noting that the training sessions did not meet her expectations and the treatment of players was disheartening. For instance, during away matches, players were required to dress uniformly, which included wearing long pants despite the discomfort of sweating. Such restrictions, she argues, are more appropriate for younger athletes rather than adult professionals.
Contrasting her experience in Spain with that in the USA, Crnogorcevic highlights a more flexible and respectful environment in American football. In the USA, players can dress according to their preferences during travel and have the freedom to socialize outside of training without needing permission.
She emphasizes that this freedom fosters personal responsibility and allows players to grow and learn, which is crucial for making informed decisions on the field.
Reflecting on her health issues in Madrid, Crnogorcevic shares that she frequently fell ill, battling fever and chills. Despite undergoing various tests, no definitive cause was found for her recurring sickness, which she believes may have been linked to her overall dissatisfaction during that period.
Her past year with the national team was also challenging, marked by personal and professional setbacks. She acknowledges conflicts with former coach Inka Grings but chooses not to dwell on negativity from the past.
Transitioning to the new coach, Pia Sundhage, has been a breath of fresh air for the team, with Crnogorcevic noting that a change in leadership brought renewed hope and confidence, especially with a more favorable grouping in the Nations League.
Sundhage’s expectations are clear; she encourages Crnogorcevic to take on a leadership role and assures her that consistent performance will secure her playing time.
Crnogorcevic feels confident about her position in the upcoming European Championship, citing her unique strengths, such as heading ability and tactical discipline, as major assets for the team.
While acknowledging the impact of key players on the team’s performance, she insists that the team must learn to adapt and respond to challenges, rather than relying solely on their presence.
Looking ahead to the European Championship, Crnogorcevic is optimistic, believing that the team can find its rhythm in a short span and compete effectively. The emergence of young talents like Naomi Luyet and Iman Beney is an encouraging sign for the future, and while competition is healthy, she views it as a natural progression rather than a threat to her position.
As a seasoned player and a natural leader, Crnogorcevic embraces her role within the team, advocating for improvement and openly expressing her thoughts. Her direct nature often leads to clashes, but it’s also a quality that makes her a valuable asset to the squad.