Marko Stamenic | We want to keep building
Marko Stamenić is determined to help Swansea City build on their winning start to the new Championship season after making an immediate impression on his return from a busy summer.
The midfielder played his part as the Swans came from behind to beat Stoke City 2-1 at the bet365 Stadium on the opening day, securing Swansea their first opening-day victory since 2020.
For Stamenić, it was also a particularly significant return to club football after a memorable summer with New Zealand at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 24-year-old was part of the All Whites squad that competed on the world stage for the first time since 2010, starting all three of their group games.
And Stamenić was delighted to see the work put in during pre-season rewarded with three points.
“It was the perfect start to the season. It's something we've been working towards all pre-season as well. We had the right mentality and we reaped the rewards,” he said.
“I think the back end of last year, we definitely improved our away performances. It was a big hurdle to cross last season, playing away from home, and I think there’s a new tempo and a new mentality that we’re trying to instil into Swansea when we go away from home.
“Of course, there’s no hiding the fact that all of our goals and aspirations are to get promoted.
“We can’t lie about that. But when we’re looking on a day-to-day basis, we’re just focusing on the trainings, making sure that the standard is higher, that we’re focused, and then when it comes to Saturday to do our job.”
That is the message heading into Saturday's meeting with Sheffield United, with Stamenić keen to ensure the Swans do not allow the opening-day victory to distract them from the bigger picture.
“We take it game by game. We don’t get too far ahead, and we’re full focused on Saturday’s game to go,” he added.
For Stamenić, the summer was about much more than simply preparing for a new Championship campaign.
The midfielder was part of a young New Zealand side that faced the challenge of competing against the world's best, with the All Whites ultimately unable to progress beyond the group stage despite taking the lead in their opening two games.
“It was definitely challenging,” he recalled.
“We went in there with the mentality that we wanted to get out of the group. Unfortunately, we didn’t achieve that, but we learned a lot. We were a new group, a young group. We played some good football and showed the world that New Zealand can compete at that level.
“In the first two games, we went ahead, but unfortunately, we just couldn’t hold the lead.
“Despite that, it was an amazing experience having my family there, friends there and my now fiancé. It was just amazing to see them all enjoy the experience as well.”
The tournament also helped strengthen the bond between Stamenić and fellow New Zealand international Elijah Just, who has since followed him to Swansea after joining from Motherwell.
Having shared the international stage, Stamenić has been able to help Just settle into his new surroundings and believes the winger has everything required to make an impact in the Championship.
“I’ve brought him along now, so it’s good to have another fellow New Zealander,” he laughed.
“I think he has similar traits as a person, so he slots right in. The boys love him. He’s a talented and great player, and obviously a great guy.
“I think he showed his qualities in the Scottish league. He had a great season with Motherwell, and then obviously at the World Cup he scored three goals over three games. He showed his qualities on two big stages in the world, so I have no doubts he’s ready.
“He showed what he’s capable of in training, and now it’s just about translating that into the games and the Championship.”
Stamenić also revelaed he played a small role in helping convince Just that Swansea was the right destination, with the pair speaking while the midfielder was still on holiday.
“I spoke to him when I was on holiday, and I kind of knew about the buzz around him after the World Cup, as everybody would have expected,” he added. "I talked to Tom [Gorringe] and we had conversations about Eli, and he just wanted to know a little bit more.
“Obviously, Eli wanted to know how life was in Swansea and how football was at the club. I had nothing but good words to speak about the club, and I’m happy that I convinced him, or had a little bit to do with his decision-making, to come here.”
Saturday’s match against the Blades will mark just short of a year since Stamenić arrived in south Wales following his move from Nottingham Forest.
Now, as he enters his second year in SA1, Stamenić is keen to continue his development and make an even greater impact for the Swans.
“It’s been a year of a lot of ups and downs, probably more off the field for me on a personal note, as everybody knows,” he admitted.
“Over the course of my career, for the four years before coming here, I was on the move every year. So it’s kind of nice to have some stability now and be familiar with the club.
“I’m also able to help new players come in and adjust in the way that the boys helped me when I first came.
“I definitely feel like I’m more familiar now, and I feel like I’m ready to take the next step in my career with the Championship.”