Our number 33 spoke to the press after his fabulous display in the 4-0 away win against Shrewsbury Town in the Papa Johns Trophy, in which he scored a brilliant hattrick.
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Dennis Politic | “It’s a good achievement, I’m happy, my first hattrick”
- Port Vale number 33 talks to the press after his brilliant hattrick at Montgomery Waters Meadow
The Romanian forward netted his first goals since his return to the club earlier this month after spending the first half of last season on loan at Vale.
Politic reflected on his performance and whilst appreciating the team’s performance also showed his happiness about his hattrick.
“Happy to score my first hattrick and I’m very happy with the team’s performance and the teams win, we’re through to the next round, that’s what’s most important.
“I appreciate all the travelling fans that came to watch the game tonight, I appreciate all the support that they have shown me, and like I said I’m really happy for the teams win.
“Of course, it’s a good achievement, I’m happy, my first hattrick.
“It did take a deflection [the first goal], I was just debating it with the lads in the changing room, with some saying it’s not my hattrick, but you’ve got to claim it, it’s my first one.
“So, I’m happy it got given to me.”
Darrell Clarke made 11 changes from the side that beat Salop at the weekend, and Politic was pleased with how the team controlled the game.
“Yeah, I thought [we controlled the game], especially in the first half, even second half actually I thought we played really well.
“We controlled the middle of the pitch, I think Brad Walker and Tom Conlon were getting on it really well, the spaces were opening up and yeah, I think we played really well tonight.”
The forward shined in his strike partnership alongside Tommy McDermott and he emphasised the importance to find space between the defenders.
“I think it’s really important [to find the spaces to score], that’s one of the things I try and work on in training and improve finding those positions.
“Obviously the finishing aspect of it as well, thank good that the ball lands to me in that position, sometimes it doesn’t land there, but thankfully it did tonight and it went in.”
Politic moved on deadline day on loan from Italian side Cremonese, and the striker has shown his love for the club after his time in Burslem last season.
“Of course, it does [feel like home], that’s why I came back, I feel loved here.
“I love all the staff, the players, they’ve been very good to me, [also] the fans of course and that’s one of the reasons I’m back, to try and get minutes at the team.
“I think that’s frustrating for every football player [not getting many minutes in Italy], not to play games, you’re just drained, and you’ve got nothing to look forward to, no minutes.
“So, like I said, I’m happy that this opportunity has come about to come back here on loan.”
Whilst the 22-year-old will steal the headlines, he was also keen to emphasise the importance of his fellow teammates in tonight’s win.
“Yeah of course [lots of hard work goes into it], but it’s not just me who scored the hattrick today, it’s all the other boys as well.
“Maybe I shined tonight because I scored a hattrick, but all the other boys put in the same hours and the same work as me and they deserve great credit as well.”
Finally, Politic spoke on how important tonight was for the team and the players that got minutes on the pitch.
The 11 players proved the strength in depth of the current squad, and tonight’s match was important for the players as they all fight for their positions in the starting 11.
“The way I see it as a footballer, every game I play I try to give my best in and win as a team, that’s the most important [thing].
“The Gaffer was saying to us before the game, we have to treat it like a proper league game, every game is important and I’m happy we won, and we are through to the next round.”