Olimpija Ljubljana started the new Icehl season with four wins-and one stands out: Defender TJ Brennan currently leads the scorer rating. The American, who previously played in Salzburg and most recently in Ajoie, explains im Small newspaper-InterView, why he chose Laibach and what role coach Ben Cooper plays.
“Personal success is always nice, but it is more important that we create a winning mentality here in Laibach,” says Brennan. Even though he has already booked six goals and three assists as a defender, he thinks of the collective above all: “There will be setbacks, the season is long. It is crucial how we as a team deal with it.”
Brennan particularly emphasizes the proportion of coach Ben Cooper, whom he already knows from his Salzburg period: “He does an excellent job. He cannot be blinded by good results and always shows us where we have to improve.”
His move to Olimpija was a heart decision: “I rarely made decisions of money because of the feeling, but always trusted my feeling. The conversations with Coop Cooper and the club were decisive. Trainer and General Manager are completely in line – this is extremely important for me as an older player.”
Brennan particularly appreciates the atmosphere in the club: “At Olimpija it feels like a family. This is the only way to grow something. Every club has its story, but there is a very special environment here.”
Photo: Domen Jancic
