In an exclusive interview for the portal Klix.ba, the defender of the Italian club Sassuolo reveals his emotions after securing a spot in the World Cup and analyzes the path that has reunited the fans of this national team.
"I don't know about you, but my emotions haven't settled yet. I'm enjoying this feeling because it's truly a big deal that we managed to qualify for the World Cup. We know how long the fans, as well as the players, have been longing for this, and many generations have been deprived of it, but we succeeded. I'm still trying to process everything that happened, but the feeling is phenomenal and it still holds me, and probably will for a long time, along with the feeling of pride that we managed to make the people in Bosnia and Herzegovina happy, as well as ourselves," Muharemović told us at the beginning of the conversation.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina national team has gone through a generational change process, and Tarik is one of the pillars on which the future is being built. Accordingly, he spoke about the atmosphere in the locker room under Barbarez's leadership and what this "new blood" can bring to our football.
"Our atmosphere is really something special. You work, enjoy, and laugh with all the players. It doesn't matter who you're with, it will always be wonderful. The coaching staff has created an atmosphere where you feel like you're with family. I know this is just the beginning and I know we can, and will, achieve much more. There's a long road ahead of us, but with such an atmosphere and a great blend of youth and experience, which we need, I'm convinced we can do even more. Of course, we'll stay grounded, but I feel there are many beautiful things ahead of us," he added.
Kane the toughest attacker to guard
He made his debut for the "A" team against England and Italy – two world giants.
"I remember when coach Barbarez called me from the bench to come on. My heart was full. I can't say I wasn't nervous, because I was, but with the first step onto the field, everything faded away – I didn't hear anything anymore. The atmosphere was hellish, everything was like in a movie, and I'll never forget that feeling when I made my debut. The toughest attacker to guard, at least in those two matches, was Harry Kane. He came on around the same time as me, and he's truly a great player, as he proves," he emphasized.
Behind Muharemović is a dynamic period in his club career.
"I've been in Italy for five years now and I feel like a local player. The mentality suits me, the way of life suits me, and I've learned a lot here, first and foremost what kind of person I should be, but also what it means to be a professional. On top of that, I've learned everything that no defender should know. Of course, I still have a lot to learn, but coming to Italy was the best decision of my career," he pointed out.
The media often link you to various European clubs.
"I can't lie and say I haven't seen anything in the media, but my focus isn't on that. It's nice to see my name in that context, and it's an honor to be in the spotlight, but at the moment I'm fully dedicated to Sassuolo, where I'm very happy. There are a few matches left until the end of the season, and after returning from the national team gathering, only the club is in focus for me. After that, there isn't much time for rest because preparations for the World Cup follow. There's time for transfers, and what's important to me is to finish the season as well as possible and to enjoy the World Cup with the national team," he conveyed.
Many fans in Bosnia and Herzegovina, due to his playing style and composure, compare Tarik to Spahić or even some modern European defenders.
"My role models have always been Edin Džeko and Emir Spahić. I watched Spahić's matches and was most inspired by his aggressiveness, but also his calmness. I think my motto 'I only fear God' perfectly matches his playing style. However, I must say I also followed Chiellini a lot, who showed me that every good defensive action should be celebrated as if you scored a goal," he said.
At Juventus, he had the opportunity to talk and train with Bonucci and Chiellini, as top defenders.
"I had the chance to train with Bonucci and Chiellini, which is truly a big deal in a career, something I can boast about because they are true legends of Italy. We've seen each other on the fields even after their careers, and I can only say words of praise about them. They helped me with their advice and gladly shared their experiences with me," he added.
The Italian media often highlight Muharemović's dedication and work ethic, even when he was in Turin.
"I remember when I first came to Italy, I literally didn't know 'where I was hitting.' A lot of attention was paid to tactics, both defensively and offensively. It took me time to memorize and learn everything because the system is much different than in Austria. For a defender, I believe you can learn the most in Italy, and I'm grateful to God for the opportunity to learn from the best," he emphasized.
Comments have brought me to tears
Today, every move by young players is analyzed on social networks and portals.
"In sports, and especially in football, there will always be both criticism and great praise. Of course, after a defeat, someone gets angry and writes criticism, leaves a bad comment, which is essentially normal. Even I get angry at myself after bad games, but I try not to let negative comments affect me. Criticism is welcome if it's well-intentioned. Of course, there is also praise, and our people really know how to write such beautiful things that touch your heart. I've caught myself reading comments from our people, seeing how much all this means to them, and a tear would flow. I'm grateful to all the fans, especially those who follow and support me both when things are going great and when it's tough. Thank God, my family taught me to always stay grounded, and that's our priority," he pointed out.
Muharemović also has a problem with unofficial pages on social networks.
"For a long time, I've had problems with fake profiles. Someone is using a Facebook profile with my information and has over 15,000 followers, and that's not me at all. I'm really grateful to those guys who made the effort and created the profile, but I had a lot of problems in Italy because of posts on that profile, because Italians thought it was me writing. Also, many people reach out in the comments and write to me, but that's not me at all. Now I have my own profile and an official page on Facebook verified with a 'blue checkmark,' and everything posted there is official. I've contacted the guys who use my Facebook, and further communication with them will be handled by my legal team. Irresponsible individuals have even used my information on dating apps, and I really don't understand the point of that, but well, it can all be resolved," he conveyed.
"Believe me, the most beautiful moment for me was now against Italy, when people started chanting my name before the warm-up. That was my childhood dream. To run out in front of the Bosnia and Herzegovina fans and greet them, or to deserve them chanting my name through my games and behavior. I truly enjoy playing in front of Bosnia and Herzegovina fans; I've always dreamed of that. People say you should only play for yourself, but in the national team, that's not the case – there you play for the team, for the country, and especially for our people and our fans. For everything we've achieved, we must thank God, but also them, who have always been with us. Both when we lost 7:0 and when we qualified for the World Cup," Muharemović believes.
Whenever he has free days, he gladly visits his homeland.
"What I miss the most is time with my family in the summer when we all gather in Bosnia, whether it's Zavidovići or Sanski Most. I miss those days with my late grandfather and grandmother, when they would greet you on the balcony or in front of the door, kiss you, and you spend time with them. But, thank God, my grandfather and grandmother on my mother's side are waiting for me. They constantly call me, and I can't wait to see them. I hope I'll find more time to come to Bosnia and Herzegovina more often. A free day depends on fatigue, but mostly I'm at home resting, and if I have more days, I try to travel somewhere," Tarik revealed to us.
A text from 2006 is circulating online about when he was at a gathering of the Bosnian diaspora in Ljubljana.
"It all started at a tournament where my father played with his brothers. We always followed them and didn't miss their tournaments, so they 'infected' me with football from a young age," Muharemović emphasizes.
Demirović and Muharemović in charge of the playlist
We learned that Tarik was in charge of the playlist of songs played during the national team's warm-up.
"Coach Barbarez approached Demirović and me and said that, if we wanted, we could make our own playlist for the stadium. A few players gathered, we chose the best songs, and judging by the choral singing in the stadium and in front of the Eternal Flame, I think we were good DJs," Muharemović tells us with a smile.
Finally, we asked Muharemović for a promise to the fans of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team who are eagerly awaiting the World Cup matches.
"Dear fans, thank God, we're going to the World Cup together! Don't think this is the end – this is just the beginning! We're going to the World Cup to show who we are and what we are. No one will find it easy to play against Bosnia and Herzegovina. We're going, God willing, to even greater victories, but we can only do that together! I can't wait to see you again. Take care and see you, God willing, in America!" Muharemović conveyed at the end of the conversation.