Robert Koren facts for kids
Koren playing for Hull City
|
|||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 20 September 1980 | ||
| Place of birth | Radlje ob Dravi, SR Slovenia, SFR Yugoslavia | ||
| Height | 1.75 m | ||
| Playing position | Midfielder | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Radlje | |||
| Dravograd | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1996–2001 | Dravograd | 129 | (17) |
| 2001–2004 | Celje | 79 | (22) |
| 2004–2007 | Lillestrøm | 75 | (19) |
| 2007–2010 | West Bromwich Albion | 126 | (16) |
| 2010–2014 | Hull City | 143 | (28) |
| 2014–2016 | Melbourne City | 24 | (3) |
| 2017 | Dravograd | 7 | (0) |
| Total | 583 | (105) | |
| National team | |||
| 1998 | Slovenia U18 | 9 | (1) |
| 2000 | Slovenia U20 | 3 | (0) |
| 2000–2001 | Slovenia U21 | 14 | (2) |
| 2003 | Slovenia B | 1 | (0) |
| 2003–2011 | Slovenia | 61 | (5) |
| Teams managed | |||
| 2020–2021 | Fužinar | ||
|
|||
Robert Koren (born September 20, 1980) is a former professional footballer from Slovenia. He played as a midfielder, which means he helped both attack and defense in the middle of the field. Robert played for the Slovenian national team from 2003 to 2011, appearing in 61 games and scoring 5 goals. He even played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Besides playing in his home country, Slovenia, he also played football in Norway, England, and Australia.
Contents
Robert Koren's Football Journey
Starting His Career
Robert Koren began his football journey in Slovenia. He played for clubs like Dravograd and Celje. In 2004, he moved to Norway to play for Lillestrøm.
Playing in Norway: Lillestrøm
At Lillestrøm, Robert became one of the best players in the Norwegian Premier League. Many people thought he was the top foreign player in the whole league. He was known as the main playmaker for Lillestrøm, helping to create many scoring chances. People often compared him to his favorite player, Zlatko Zahovič. During his time in Norway, some English clubs, like Leeds United, were interested in signing him.
Moving to England: West Bromwich Albion
On January 4, 2007, Robert Koren joined the English club West Bromwich Albion. They were in the Championship league at the time. He signed an 18-month contract. His first game for the club was just two days later, in an FA Cup match against Leeds United.
Robert scored his first goal for West Brom on May 6, 2007. It was in a big 7–0 win against Barnsley. This win helped West Brom get into the play-offs, which are special games to decide promotion to a higher league. Robert played in all three play-off games. West Brom beat Wolves but lost the final to Derby County at Wembley Stadium.
In July 2007, Robert had a strange accident during training. A ball hit him in the eye, causing some bleeding and making it hard for him to see for a while. He got better completely, but he later said he was worried about his sight. This injury made him miss the start of the 2007–08 season. He returned to play in August. In September, he signed a new two-year contract with the club. His manager, Tony Mowbray, called him a "model pro" because he was so dedicated.
Robert scored two goals in a game against Southampton in October 2007. This performance earned him a spot in the Championship Team of the Week. On January 17, 2009, he scored his first goal in the Premier League as West Brom beat Middlesbrough 3–0. He was named man of the match for that game.
During the 2008–09 Premier League season, Robert was very reliable. He played in almost every game for West Brom. In the 2009–10 season, he continued to be a regular player under the new manager, Roberto Di Matteo. He played in 34 league games and scored 5 goals. This included two goals in a 3–0 win against Leicester City in April. That season, West Brom earned promotion back to the Premier League. However, on May 17, 2010, Robert left West Brom because his contract was not extended.
Joining Hull City
On August 13, 2010, Robert Koren joined Hull City on a free transfer. He signed a two-year contract. He made his first appearance for Hull City as a substitute against Millwall on August 14, 2010.
He scored his first goal for Hull City in a 2–0 home win against Derby County on September 14, 2010. He also scored goals against Norwich City and Leicester City. One of his goals was a fantastic 25-yard shot against Ipswich Town. He also scored the winning goal in a 2–1 away victory over Watford.
Robert continued to score impressive goals for Hull City.
- On September 24, 2011, he scored a nice low shot into the corner against Bristol City.
- On October 22, 2011, he dribbled past three players and scored from 25 yards against Watford.
- On November 29, 2011, he scored from close range after a rebound against Southampton.
- On December 3, 2011, he hit a beautiful shot from 20 yards against Leicester City.
- On December 7, 2011, he volleyed the ball into the net against Birmingham City.
- On December 17, 2011, he scored a low shot from 20 yards against Millwall.
On August 11, 2012, he signed a new two-year contract with Hull City. On September 15, 2012, he scored a powerful shot from 25 yards against Millwall. After Hull City was promoted to the Premier League, Robert had a foot injury that kept him out for a few weeks.
Playing in Australia: Melbourne City
On August 3, 2014, Robert Koren became a key signing for Melbourne City in Australia's A-League. He missed the first 10 games of the season due to injury. On December 20, 2014, he made his debut in the Melbourne Derby as a substitute.
On December 30, 2014, Robert scored three goals (a hat trick!) against Newcastle Jets in his very first game as a starter. On January 21, 2016, he left Melbourne City to look for new opportunities.
International Career
Robert Koren played for the Slovenian national team. His first game was in April 2003, in a European Championship qualification match against Cyprus. He played a total of 61 games for Slovenia and scored 5 goals.
At the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he scored the only goal in the match against Algeria. This goal helped Slovenia win their first-ever game in a major football tournament.
Personal Life
Robert Koren is married and has three children: two sons named Nal and Tian, and a daughter named Nia.
Career Achievements
Robert Koren has won several awards and honors during his career:
With West Bromwich Albion
- Won the Football League Championship in the 2007–08 season.
With Hull City
- Finished as runner-up in the Football League Championship in the 2012–13 season, earning promotion.
- Finished as runner-up in the FA Cup in the 2013–14 season.
Individual Awards
- Received the Kniksen Award for Midfielder of the Year in 2006.
- Named Hull City Player of the Season for 2011–12.
- Scored Hull City Goal of the Season for 2011–12.
Images for kids
-
Koren playing for Hull City
-
Koren warming-up whilst on international duty in 2009
See also
In Spanish: Robert Koren para niños
