Vipotnik Expresses Self-Doubt Prior to Ending Goal Drought

Swansea City striker Zan Vipotnik stated he felt he was not performing adequately before concluding his — and the team’s — prolonged goal drought at Oxford. The Slovenia international broke Swansea’s 563-minute period without scoring by netting in the first half of Saturday’s 2-1 victory, marking his first goal since 17 August. Florian Bianchini subsequently secured his inaugural goal for the club, before Oxford managed to score once, compelling Swansea to exert considerable effort for their first win in seven matches. “First of all, I was so happy for the team – we really deserved the win,” Vipotnik commented. He further praised the supporters, adding, “The fans were amazing. We heard them almost all the game. From the first minute to the 95th.” Regarding his personal contribution, he remarked, “And I was thankful I scored. Of course, I was feeling pressure. As a striker, it’s not easy when the team doesn’t score and I don’t. It’s mentally tough.” The goals scored by the Swans at the Kassam Stadium represented their first since a 1-1 home draw against Bristol City on 29 September. This period without scoring concluded just one match shy of matching a club-record-equalling six successive league games. “We train every day to score goals [but] they were not here,” Vipotnik added. He elaborated on his personal struggle, stating, “It’s tough for me. I know my teammates want to give me the ball to score goals. I’m here for that. I didn’t do my job well, and I hope this goal will help the team and me also.” Vipotnik indicated that he has encountered difficulties adapting to life in the Championship following his transfer to Swansea during the summer. The 22-year-old player joined the Welsh club on a four-year agreement after his contract with French team Bordeaux was mutually terminated. The goal scored on Saturday marked only his second for the club, concluding a sequence of 11 league and cup appearances without finding the net. Vipotnik expressed his desire to initiate a consistent goalscoring streak, commencing with Tuesday’s home fixture against Watford, as he continues to acclimate to his new life in Swansea. He commented, “At the beginning it’s always difficult when you move from one country to another, as football’s not the same in every country.” He added, “At the moment I feel really good. I’ve been training well, and I hope the goal will help me to settle more. I hope to [continue] with this form.” He also mentioned, “My family are happy here. We love it here – being near the sea and the beaches – even though the rain and wind is tough.” Furthermore, he is in the process of learning some of the supporters’ stadium chants, though he is not attempting the Welsh ones such as Hymns and Arias. He stated, “Welsh is too hard for me – I will do the English ones.”