Igor Biscan: LFC made me who I am, it was all worthwhile

A dramatic event, an unexpected incident or a bold decision may be the catalyst.

Or it may be an opportunity to learn from others – to understand different methods, cultures and ways of thinking, and to receive wisdom.

For Igor Biscan, four-and-a-half years with Liverpool made such an imprint that his experiences at Anfield continue to shape a post-playing career which has led the Croatian to a management role in the second division of his home country.

Understandably, too.

Signed by Gerard Houllier in December 2000, the midfielder’s stay with the club spanned an historic treble-winning season, the arrival of Rafael Benitez and the fairytale of Champions League glory.

“The club made me the person I am today,” Biscan confirms in the second episode of new LFCTV series ‘Added Time’.

“Even more so as time passes by, I feel as though I was really happy to be there at that moment, playing with some great players at such a great club.

“I have so many beautiful memories from that time.

“I didn’t really know how big the club was when I arrived, but you realise very quickly that it’s a special place, a special club and of course you feel proud that you were a part of it.”

LFCTV GO: Watch a trailer of Monday's 'Added Time'

Where Biscan was once the student, attempting to utilise the advice of those around him at Anfield, he is now the teacher.

Having retired in 2012, the 38-year-old secured his first management opportunity at the beginning of the season, taking the reins of NK Rudes in Zagreb.

So far, so good for the boss.

His youthful team with an average age of 22 holds a three-point advantage at the top of the table after 12 games, forging hope of promotion.

“I’m quite relaxed,” Biscan says. “I rarely shout or lose my temper. I try to be fair and honest with the players – I think that is very important.

“We have a lot of young players here at the club and I’m going to be working very closely with them throughout the season to help them develop properly.

“As everyone knows, it’s a complex job and I’m still learning, but it’s an interesting one and it’s a challenge. I knew that before I took the job but I’m enjoying it and I’m looking forward to the future.”

Biscan’s own experiences as a young player undoubtedly inform his approach to getting the best out of footballers in the earlier stages of their career.

Aged 22 when he signed for the Reds from Dinamo Zagreb, the transition to England and the Premier League proved tough.

“I know it wasn’t always positives with the way I played and the way I contributed, I’m realistic about that,” is his honest assessment.

“It wasn’t easy coming to a new country at a young age and being on your own. But I always tried to give my best and I always had so much respect for those fans.”

And Biscan was ultimately rewarded for his perseverance and spirit.

Few, if any, supporters would have predicted Liverpool’s charge to Champions League success during the 2004-05 campaign – Benitez’s first following his appointment.

But there were heroes throughout that team and Biscan played no small part himself, featuring in the knockout meetings with Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus and Chelsea en route to that unfathomable night in Istanbul.

He reflects: “It was a happy ending to my time at Liverpool.

“Having played so many games in that Champions League campaign, winning the competition not only made me very happy but also made me realise that the sacrifices I made and the things I had to do to remain at Liverpool all seem worthwhile.

“There are perhaps bigger clubs in the world, but I’m not sure any are as special as Liverpool.”

Episode two of ‘Added Time’ premieres on LFCTV at 7.30pm BST on Monday. Watch the programme throughout the week on our official channel and LFCTV GO. Click here for more details.