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 Velimir ZAJEC 1981-1984 
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Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2012 1:31 pm
Posts: 404
Name: Velimir Zajec

Nickname: "Zeko"

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Country: :CRO: Croatia
Club: Dinamo Zagreb
Position: *SWP, CB, DMF
Side: RF/BS
Age: 25-28 years (12/02/1956)

Height: 180 cm
Weight: 76 kg

Attack: 74
Defence: 85
Balance: 83
Stamina: 85
Top Speed: 80
Acceleration: 82
Response: 83
Agility: 83
Dribble Accuracy: 83
Dribble Speed: 80
Short Pass Accuracy: 83
Short Pass Speed: 78
Long Pass Accuracy: 82
Long Pass Speed: 81
Shot Accuracy: 67
Shot Power: 82
Shot Technique: 67
Free Kick Accuracy: 72
Curling: 74
Header: 80
Jump: 82
Technique: 84
Aggression: 79
Mentality: 84
Goalkeeper Skills: 50
Team Work: 85

Injury Tolerance: A
Condition: 7
Weak Foot Accuracy: 5
Weak Foot Frequency: 5
Consistency: 7
Growth type: Standard

CARDS:
S01 - Marauding
S02 - Passer
S05 - 1-touch Play
S06 - Outside curve
S07 - Man Marking
S10 - DF Leader
P05 - Mazing Run
P16 - Extra Attacker

SPECIAL ABILITIES: Dribbling - Reaction - Passing - 1-touch Pass - Outside - Marking - D-Line Control

Attack/Defence Awareness Card: Balanced



INFO:

Velimir Zajec was born on February 12, 1956 in Zagreb. Legendary Dinamo captain, heart and soul of Generation '82 which won Yugoslavia Championship in 1982 after 24 years. He played as central defender or sweeper.

In his playing days Zajec was respected by everyone involved in the game. Always calm, cool and confident, controlled the ball with skill and elegance. Zajec had a great vision and ball delivery. His 'slaloms' through opposing teams are legendary.

The fans just loved 'Zeko'(his nickname) and he kept good relations with them at all times.

Zajec began his career at Dinamo Zagreb in 1974 in age of 18. He made debut against Partizan Balgrade. During 10 years at the club he helped them to two domestic cup wins, as well as the league title, their first title honour in 24 years. Zajec was Dinamo player from 1973 to 1984 playing in 485 games and scoring 41 goals. With Dinamo, Zajec won one Championship (1982) and 2 Cups (1980, 1983). Zajec also won Balkan Cup with Dinamo in 1977. He then transferred to Greek club Panathinaikos, for whom he was tremendously successful, and played over 100 games scoring 11 league goals. He won a Championship (1986) and 2 Greek Cups with Panathinaikos FC (1985/86, 1987/88) for whom he played from 1984 to 1989. Zajec was twice pronounced player of the year in 'Večernji List' Player of The Year (1979, 1984).

For Former Yugoslavia national team Zajec played in 36 games (1977-85), scored one goal and was a captain of Yugoslavia 1982 World Cup squad held in Spain. Yugoslavia there disappointingly finished tournament in first round ending up third behind hosts Spain and North Ireland. He was also captain in 1984 UEFA Euro Championship in France where Yugoslavia finished last in Group stage losing all matches. His first game for Yugoslavia was vs. Soviet Union in Belgrade (2:4, 23.03. 1977.) and his last was vs. Austria in Linz (0:3, 16.10. 1985).

Zajec was one of the rare players that was Yugoslavian national team captain, because captains were mostly from Serbian clubs or others clubs, but never from Dinamo which was indicator of Croatianess.

Following retirement he spent two years (1989-1991) as 'Director of Football' at his favorite club Dinamo Zagreb, before returning to Panathinaikos to run their academy. Before long he was promoted to manager of the club(27.10.1996-21.5.1997). After a period he again returned to Zagreb, this time as manager in 1997 until 1998, before moving once more back to Panathinaikos in 2002 to become 'Director of Football'. In 1998, he led Dinamo in three matches of the UEFA Champions League and remained undefeated with two wins and a draw. Dinamo nevertheless did not manage to advance to the quarterfinals after finishing second in their group (only first-place finisher advanced at the time).

In 2004, he moved to English club Portsmouth F.C. to take up a position as executive director. He took over as temporary team manager following the resignation of Harry Redknapp in November 2004. Five months later he reverted to his intended director's role, following the arrival of Alain Perrin. He resigned from his position at Fratton Park on October 10, 2005 due to ill health. Zajec is thought to be suffering from a motor neuron disease.

On May 25, 2010 Velimir Zajec signed two year deal as Dinamo Zagreb manager.


Fri Mar 08, 2013 12:44 pm
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