Germany's Lukas Podolski, left, and Australia's Ljubo Milicevic, right, challenge for the ball during the Confederations Cup match between Germany and Australia at the FIFA World Cup stadium in Frankfurt, western Germany, Wednesday, June 15, 2005. AP Photo/Michael Probst
Ljubo Milicevic was in the news again this week, and once again the defender is courting controversy. For those who missed it, the Newcastle Herald carried a back-page story on Wednesday about another of Ljubo’s run-ins, this time with young striker Sean Rooney.
According to the Herald, Milicevic offered some advice to the former Sydney youth after he failed to track back after the losing the ball.
Rooney took umbrage at Milicevic, and had to be restrained by teammates after the two traded more barbs. Never short of a choice quote, Milicevic was none-too reticent to comment on the incident when quizzed by the Herald.
“If I was a nutter, I would have clocked him,” he said. “That was never going to happen. I’m not saying I’m perfect. No one is perfect. It does not matter if you lose the ball. Everyone loses the ball. It is what you do when you lose the ball.”
Milicevic’s point are more than valid, but the story does little to change public opinion that the six-cap Socceroo is a volatile and unpredictable character.
That Milicevic possesses talent is not debatable. He proved it in Europe, captaining FC Thun against the likes of Arsenal and Ajax in the UEFA Champions League.
With English Premier League clubs circling, Milicevic’s failure to get a work permit scuppered any what could have been the best move of his life.
Instead, he ended up signing with hometown club Melbourne Victory.
It was the move that would signal the start of Milicevic’s well-documented problems. Instead of establishing himself as Kevin Muscat’s heir apparent, Milicevic quickly fell out at the club and only made two appearances.
After a hiatus in which he battled depression, Milicevic signed for the Newcastle Jets in February. Despite his time away from the game, Milicevic promised to add much-needed spine and leadership to the Jets.
It’s a promise he has kept.
Milicevic doesn’t mind taking prisoners, but he also needs to recognise there is a time for tact. He must be careful that his run-ins do not overshadow his performances on the pitch.
His contract at the Jets, which this week – at least – looks to be extended, is one that could hugely benefit both parties.
The Jets have a potential captain in Milicevic, and a leader who can right the flagging fortunes of the battling club.
And Milicevic can also re-establish himself as a player who should be knocking on the door of Pim Verbeek’s national team. If the A-League was good enough to re-launch the national team career of Jade North, then it can prove sufficient for the naturally talented Milicevic.
He must know – whether it was his fault or not – that he was fortunate to get another chance at A-League level.
Until he can really prove himself again, there won’t be many more.
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