In an exclusive New Year’s interview for “Independent“, the selector openly talks about the past year, key moments, plans for the future, but also about the emotions of returning to the national team this time as a leader from the bench.
NN: This year you had the opportunity to fulfill one of, I believe, your biggest wishes – you became the selector of the BiH national team. When you look back on your journey so far on the “dragons” bench, what are you most proud of?
BARBAREZ: For me, becoming the selector of my country’s national team is a great honor and a huge responsibility. I am most proud of the atmosphere and togetherness we have built in the team. Our team breathes as one today. We managed to strengthen the identity of the national team and, I would say, awaken the faith of the fans, and that is priceless for me.
NN: You have a challenging year behind you. How would you rate 2024 for the BiH national team? What are the biggest positive changes you have noticed and what goals do you want to achieve in 2025?
BARBAREZ: The year 2024 was full of challenges, but also opportunities for growth and progress. We set out to implement an idea and we all knew that we had a difficult road ahead of us. In 2025, I want us to further improve our game and ensure continuity of success – first through the qualifications for the next major competition.
NN: Are you perhaps planning a “New Year’s” breakthrough in the composition of the national team, perhaps with some new players, new faces in the team or tactical variations?
BARBAREZ: We are always thinking about improvement and there is no break for us. We can say that we have formed the skeleton of the team and we follow our boys and their games in the clubs. There is room for new faces if someone shows that they have the quality and character needed for the national team. It is important to support the players who were there at the last gatherings, because they did their best for the national team’s coat of arms.
NN: If you could wish one thing for the BiH national team in the coming year, what would it be?
BARBAREZ: I want us to continue our team-building journey and achieve a place in a major competition. That would be a gift not only for us but also for the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
NN: Football is associated with a terrible emotion, and BH fans. national teams are known for always showing their passion and love for the team. What is your relationship with them, do you feel their support?
BARBAREZ: The fans are a very important link and without them all this would not make sense. Their support was even more of a motivation for me when I was a player, and it’s no different now. There are many people who love this national team and we are grateful to them for their support.
NN: What would you say to the fans of Bosnia and Herzegovina before the new year?
BARBAREZ: Your support means a lot to us and I hope that together we will have reason to celebrate in 2025. Be with us, we are stronger together.
NN: Given that we are in a festive mood, one question for you personally. What are you most grateful for in the past year and what are your expectations for the coming year?
BARBAREZ: I am most grateful for the opportunity to lead the team I love and for the support I receive from all the people who believe in our work. I expect that the coming year will bring new excitement, success and opportunities for growth. I wish everyone health, happiness and togetherness – because together we can do anything.
(Vijesti.ba)
www.vijesti.ba
