“I couldn’t miss this moment, because it’s been 10 years, players’ careers are short, that’s a long period for them,” said the new head coach of the Serbian national football team, Veljko Paunović, today ahead of the matches against England and Latvia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Football Association of Serbia appointed Paunović as the new head coach of Serbia on October 30, replacing Dragan Stojković, who resigned after the loss to Albania in Leskovac (0:1). Paunović will lead the national team in the fight for qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
“I think the last time we saw each other was a little over 10 years ago. During all that time, no matter how far I was, I followed our football and developments in the sports sector and coaching. It is an exceptional honor and pleasure for me to be here today and to represent our national team again,” Paunović said at the press conference in Stara Pazova.
He then explained how he accepted the FSS invitation to take over as Serbia’s coach.
“I think the key moment was when Branko Radujko and Nikola Lazetić came to Madrid to talk, because that was the first time I saw that there was really a possibility for me to come. From that moment, everything moved in the direction I hoped for, but circumstances had never aligned before. The coaching position was open, there had been contacts earlier, but this was the first time it fit that I was available and that the situation here required a coach,” said Serbia’s new head coach and added:
“How long did it take me to decide? I saw it as my duty. The situation is not easy regarding qualification for the World Cup. However, I see it as a challenge and my duty. Above all, what I wanted to see was that this is truly the moment with this group of players — maybe the last moment to work together — and to turn this difficult challenge into an advantage and continue our cooperation. From the moment it was officially announced, their support, the players’ support, is what I asked for and why I am here.”
Paunović explained why Sergej and Vanja Milinković-Savić are not on the squad list for the upcoming matches.
“Players like Vanja and Sergej, also part of the generation I worked with and achieved success with, I spoke with them. Everything happened suddenly and they had previously made some decisions, it was too early for them to respond at this time. They left the door open for the next gathering in March. That’s the shortest and simplest explanation,” Paunović emphasized.
He also spoke about the problems within the national team.
“I can only say that I am endlessly grateful for the impression that people have of me, I take it as a responsibility to justify and fulfill it. I am always ready for difficult tasks and missions, and I think this is one of those. As I told Branko and Laza, you can always count on me. I want to pass that on to all the players — I spoke to them about the cult of the national team, told them to rise above problems, even personal ones, I don’t know how to call them, but personal situations that can be overcome, because the country and the people are above all of us. My role is very important, and of course, the role of our fans comes first.”
“For me, a young player is always a project — when I see one, I’m motivated to help. It always depends on both sides, that we create an environment where players feel welcome, whether young or older — we don’t look at ID cards. What matters is potential, maturity, and the attitude toward the national team culture we want to build. As long as I’m here, I want the national team to be respected. In discussions with Bata Mirković and Gordan Petrić, we identified the problem. I want to support them. The national team and the call-ups must be respected — no fabricated injuries or excuses. If not, then we in the Association must create a code and consequences, to make it clear what happens to those who don’t respect the Association and the national team, so that all footballers, young and old, hear it and know it depends on them.”
The Serbian national football team gathered today in Stara Pazova, where they began preparations for the upcoming matches against England and Latvia. Serbia will visit England in London on November 13 at 8:45 p.m., and three days later, they will host Latvia in Leskovac at 6 p.m.
England holds first place in Group K with 18 points, Albania is second with 11, while Serbia sits in third with 10. Latvia is fourth with five points, while Andorra is last with one point.
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Source: Tanjug; Foto: ATA Images