While guesting on the sports show “Sprint” on RTV Herceg-Bosna with editor and presenter Damir Suton, the coach of Široki Brijeg football players, Damir Milanović, reflected on the great spring streak of his team.
After taking over the bench in difficult circumstances, Milanović led the team from Pecara to an impressive performance of four wins, two draws and only one loss, which ensured a peaceful continuation of the season and opened the door to the fight for European competitions.
Challenges overcome and team awakening
Commenting on the last championship draw against Železničar, Milanović pointed out that the game was nervous, especially because of the pressure after the great victory over Sarajevo. He also reflected on the very beginnings of his mandate, stressing that he accepted the opportunity on the bench of Široki Brijeg wholeheartedly despite the unenviable situation.
The winter preparations were marked by numerous departures of standard first-team players such as Posavac and Jelavić, while reinforcements arrived at the very end of the transition period. Despite the reduced roster, the coaching staff managed to awaken internal reserves. Milanović especially praised the experienced 36-year-old Tomić, goalkeeper Josipović and Mata Stanićcurrently the second top scorer in the league, for whom he points out that all the effort he invests in himself is finally paying off.
Reliance on domestic forces and the U-21 rule
Young players are an important cog in Široki Brijeg’s game this season. The coach expressed satisfaction with the progress brothers Filip and Marko Matićwhere Marko was recently rewarded with an invitation to the U-21 national team.
Speaking of rule “protected age” in Bosnian football, Milanović expressed some skepticism. He considers that the rule young players can often be a burden, because many of them completely disappear from the football map after leaving that quota. His view is that true quality will always surface, regardless of age restrictions.
Looking towards Europe and the continuation of the championship
Although Milanović personally prefers attacking football with quick vertical passes, he points out that he has currently adapted to the playing staff and that the team plays pragmaticallysolely on the result. Although the primary and only goal at the beginning of the spring part of the season was to ensure survival in the company of the best, the good results changed the blood picture in the dressing room.
Now, when survival is practically assured, she woke up in the team ambition to go to Europe after five years of waiting. Milanović welcomes such a way of thinking because he believes that playing without pressure and ambition is the worst for athletes.
The national team break came at the right time for the tired team, and after a well-deserved rest and euphoria subsided, Širokobriježane expects difficult visit to Radnik in Bijeljinateams that nurture a similar style of play.
Guest appearance by Milanović in the show RTV HB see below:
(www.jabuka.tv)
