Serbia national coach Mladen Krstajic: "We have every opportunity to complete the selection for Euro 2020 in one of the first two positions in the group"

30.04.2019 17:22

The head coach of the Serbian national team Mladen Krstajic spoke about the essence of his football philosophy and shared his expectations from the performance of the "representation" in the selection for Euro 2020.

The mentor of the Serbian national team said that he is satisfied with the latest performances of his wards and is optimistic about the future. Interview with the trainer published the official website of FIFA.

- You became the coach of the national team in 2017. What has changed in the national team since then?

- I know that I am still a young coach, and experience comes with age. The essence of my coaching philosophy is attacking football. I want the team to score and press the opponent at any point on the field wherever possible. But, of course, I understand that it will not work out in every match. I have to take into account many nuances - the quality of the opponent, the skill of the players who play against us, etc ...

- The Serbian national team performed excellently in the League of Nations and started the selection of Euro 2020 with a draw with Portugal (1: 1). Are you happy with your guys' game now?

- We managed to solve several tasks in the League of Nations. We gave the opportunity to show ourselves to a large number of young players and found out who you can count on in the future. The national team took first place in the group and will now play in the top division. In addition, we also got an extra chance to get to the European Championship through the LN playoffs. Of course, if we do not cope with this during the qualification itself.

We are, of course, pleased with the point scored in Portugal. In this match, as well as in the match against Germany, the team showed unity, character, fighting spirit and will to win. Serbia can be proud of such guys. However, we still have many tasks. There are seven matches ahead, and it is about 21 points. You have seen the results in our group. It will not be easy to take points in any of the matches against any of the opponents. But I sincerely believe in our team and believe that we have every opportunity to finish the qualifying tournament in one of the first two positions in the group.

- Serbia has not qualified for the last three European Championships. How important would it be to play there in 2020?

- In fact, it is very difficult to describe what it means for us to qualify this time. After a long time, we would have a continuous participation in the biggest football competitions in the world. And for the national team of Serbia, and for football, and for sports in our country, it would mean a lot.

We currently have a very talented generation of young footballers. However, there is a whole group of experienced players. I think that such a symbiosis of youth and experience can give a great result. Our youth are guys with good game and human qualities, professional approach to business. They have the victory gene. They are extremely motivated, work hard and always want to achieve maximum results. Their potential is huge, and I sincerely believe that they have a great future ahead.

Recall that the Serbian national team performs in one Euro-2020 selection group with Ukraine, Portugal, Lithuania and Luxembourg. The next match of Andriy Shevchenko's wards will be held in Lviv on June 7 against the Serbian team.