Nogomania Exclusive! Benjamin Šeško on Arsenal's interest: I turned down Premier League move because I believe I will make progress at Leipzig

As one of the last Slovenian representatives, if not the last, Benjamin Šeško is wrapping up his vacation following the European Championship in Germany. In a few days, he will board a plane taking the Leipzig team to the USA for preparations. Šeško says he's had enough rest and has already started training on his own. Under the guidance of coach Marco Rose, he aims to quickly regain the excellent form that characterized him this spring.

In recent months, Benjamin Šeško has been incredibly sought after. Besides the fans, with whom he still enjoys interacting despite his increased popularity, Šeško has been persistently pursued by media across Europe. It was only when he decided to stay in Leipzig and continue his development there that things calmed down. Despite being offered multi-million transfers, he has managed to keep a cool head.

For a 21-year-old, Šeško is already quite experienced from a Slovenian perspective. Over the past year, he has visibly matured, balancing his roles in both club and national team, where he has become a key player. We caught up with him just before his return to Germany, where he hopes to surpass his achievements from last season.

Euro 2024 is archived but not forgotten. Is it easier to analyze everything after a few weeks of rest?

Absolutely, things have settled. We achieved something historic, and I believe Slovenia will remember this well. Looking back, I'm very satisfied and proud of what we showed. We were so close to going further. We demonstrated what we can do against strong teams. For me personally, it’s a valuable experience, and I hope to have more such moments with the national team. It’s a new developmental point in my career. I saw where I stand and where I belong.

In the first match against Denmark, you hit the post. Does that moment still replay in your mind?

I generally think about it as something that happened, and I can't change it. I live for today and tomorrow. But yes, sometimes I think about it. It was a tough game, and a valuable experience. The ball didn’t go in then, but maybe it will next time. I’ll do everything to make that happen.

How did you experience that thriller against Serbia, where they snatched the victory in the last seconds?

A special match! The number of Slovenians present shows what a spectacle it was. Wow, incredible. Seeing our fans, whom I call "the nation," during the warm-up was amazing. I love it! Regarding the game, yes, we fought hard and led, then came that goal. People may imagine it differently, but that’s football. After that game, we regrouped and focused on England. That’s how it is; you have to fight and give your all. I think we showed we have the right mentality and quality.

No one could have imagined an even bigger thriller after Serbia, but it happened. What went through your mind when you had a clear chance to score and send us to the quarterfinals, but Diogo Costa saved it?

At that moment, nothing specific went through my mind. I can’t describe how tired I was. I have the experience I have, and I tried to focus on hitting the ball as well as possible. I did my best… I believe a more experienced Benjamin Šeško would have scored that. Of course, I’d do things differently if I could now, but I believe this experience will strengthen me. That counterattack with Pepe was similar. I started just ahead of our penalty area and had to send the ball forward, and Pepe was there. Experience played a big role in these situations.

Slovenia missed three penalties. Were you set to take one?

Yes, of course. There’s no hesitation about me taking penalties; I was set to be the fifth taker.

Your life has changed significantly in the past year and a half. Now, you are constantly under great expectations from fans. Is that a big pressure for you?

I wouldn’t call it pressure. It’s part of football, and you have to deal with it. I don’t think about anyone pressuring me. People believe in me, and that’s important. If there’s pressure, it means you’re doing something well. Why see it negatively? It’s good because someone expects something from you. What could be better? We play for the fans.

You often mention fans. Why are they so important to you?

You probably hear this often, but I mean it seriously and sincerely – fans are everything. I enjoy being with them. We’ve already created many great memories, and I believe there will be more. Now, the Nations League awaits us, and I can’t wait.

Before the Euro, you extended your contract with Leipzig despite being wanted by big clubs. What tipped the balance?

I thought it through very well. I believe I made the right decision. I wanted to gain more experience, learn more, and not rush things. Leipzig is an excellent club that can provide what I need for the next step. Leipzig's vision is clear; everything is geared towards growth, progress, and high goals. I felt it was right to decide this way.

Was coach Marco Rose a factor in your decision?

We talked. He told me he wanted me to stay but also said I should decide based on my feelings. He said if I felt I needed to move on, I should go, but if not, I should stay. He’s an excellent coach who has led many great players. I’m glad I decided this way. I did it before the Euro to keep a clear head and focus entirely on the championship.

The rumors were wild before this decision. How did you manage to block them out?

I can’t deny such things don’t get into your subconscious, it’s probably quite normal, human. Still, I remained calm despite everything. I got through that turbulent period and approached the Euro fully focused.

You triggered those rumors yourself with your great half-season at Leipzig. How did that goal explosion happen?

Things fall into place when you switch your mindset. I worked hard, really hard, the whole season. I spent entire days at the training center, worked at home, and so on. It started showing in spring, in my performances and statistics. I love football, I love training, and playing. I believe something always happens when you do this, and it did. The key in football is consistency. You have to work when things go well and when they don’t.

Can you surpass last season, where you scored 18 goals?

Considering it was my first season at Leipzig, I’d rate it as excellent, given all the circumstances. Of course, I want more and believe I can achieve more. Leipzig always aims high, and it will be the same in the new season. The goal is for Leipzig to keep all the best players and chase those goals.

Dani Olmo, one of Spain’s best players at the Euro, is among Leipzig's best players. Will you be teammates again in the new season?

I hope so (laughs). Dani is a great person, which is the most important thing. As you saw at the European Championship, he’s also a fantastic player. He can find you with the ball wherever you are. I can say it’s a privilege to play with such a teammate.