Ilicic defends loss of form

Josip Ilicic has denied he is struggling with the pressure of trying to live up to the standard he set during his first season with Palermo.

Slovenia international Ilicic proved to be one of the revelations of the 2010/11 Serie A campaign, turning in a string of scintillating displays following his arrival in Sicily from NK Maribor.

The Slovenia international has struggled to replicate that form this term.

Palermo coach Bortolo Mutti last month suggested Ilicic had been weighed down by expectations, something the 24-year-old forward denies.

“I’m fine,” Ilicic told La Repubblica.

“There are only the physiological changes which will eventually resolve themselves.”

Despite his dip in form, Ilicic continues to be linked with a move away from the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

The attacking midfielder says he is happy where he is for now, but conceded he does dream of playing on the biggest stage in European football.

“I do not know if I will still be in Palermo next year,” he said.

“We will see.”

“At the moment I’m here and I’m focused on what is ahead of me until the end of the season.”

“But like any young player, my ambition is to play in the Champions League one day.”

Ilicic, who has been capped 15 times by his country, netted eight goals during his first season in Italy, but has scored just twice so far this term.