Last week, the Education Centre of the Football Federation of Macedonia completed the fourth module of the UEFA PRO course. Former Red Star coach Vladan Milojević attended the final two days of the seminar and, together with members of his coaching staff, Nebojša Milošević, Ivan Vučetić and Bojan Ofenbeher, presented the programme on the topic of “Periodisation and the principles of operation“.
Vladan Milojević is the man who, almost a decade ago, returned Red Star to the big European stage in the Champions League, and he also led the former European champions in the knockout phase of the Europa League.
Milojević is precisely one of the most qualified people to answer the question of how much the new trends in football in this region can once again lead to a situation in which a club from the region competes for the Champions League trophy.
“That is a complex question and it is very difficult to answer, but in any case we should strive towards that and compete with the best. Football is progressing exceptionally quickly. If it once took a long time for certain trends to arrive, which were mainly followed through the World Cups, today we see that football is changing on a daily basis. We live in an era of technology where everything is fast and accessible. Today, many more countries participate in competitions. For example, in the past many countries were not as active, while today you can see that the Scandinavian countries are achieving incredible results. That means we must strive for progress. It will be difficult, but you have to believe in what you are doing. Still, it is not enough simply to believe; you must also work hard, train and try to measure yourselves against the best.”.
Red Star and Dinamo Zagreb are creating the successful story of the Balkans through their results. They also confirm this by producing major football names and talented players. How much can clubs from this region retain these footballers and gain even greater benefit for themselves?
“I agree with you. We are talking about two clubs that are regular participants in European competitions, whether that is the Champions League or the Europa League. However, unfortunately, money and budgets dictate the building of the team. Red Star’s major handicap is the fact that a high percentage of the budget is filled through the sale of the best young players. Quite simply, you do not have the comfort that wealthier clubs have. But even large budgets are no guarantee of success. Football is a game in which money does not guarantee a Champions League title. We saw that in the example of Paris Saint-Germain, who tried for years, and only when perhaps they expected it least, with a different concept, did they become more competitive. The peoples of the Balkans love football and tradition; they want to see their clubs at the top, but at this moment that is exceptionally difficult. To begin with, simply participating in the Champions League is a great success. There is a big difference between the Champions League and the Europa League. In the latter competition, as well as in the Conference League, we can be competitive. The new Champions League format is a very difficult competition that requires quality players, and that requires a lot of money. Infrastructure in the domestic league is also necessary, because players do not come just for eight or ten matches in Europe. I believe that the infrastructure in Serbia is much better than it was a few years ago, but major investments in pitches and stadiums are still needed. Many countries have overtaken us in that regard, but I feel positive winds and hope that in the future we will be much more competitive.”
You came to Macedonia to share some of your extensive experience and, together with members of your coaching staff, with whom you created a successful story in Belgrade. In these times, it is difficult to create such a story with a club from this region, but you succeeded. How satisfied are you with what you saw in Skopje and with your cooperation with your Macedonian colleagues?
“Yes, we came at the invitation of the Football Federation of Macedonia. I am very pleased that we are here. This is not just an ordinary lecture where we will simply talk; it is an exchange of opinions. We can also learn a great deal from the candidates here. There is interaction because football is constantly changing and we all have to change with it. We are exceptionally satisfied and happy to be in your beautiful city and in this beautiful country. I hope that our experience will provide positive impulses to the candidates in their future careers.”
Finally, how close is this region to the European elite in tactical, technical and physical terms?
“In this region we have a specific mentality and different styles. Here in the Balkans, we are somewhat slower to embrace new trends because we want to remain within the framework of what we already know and often live in the past. We must turn towards the future. Players from other countries are not from another planet; we are the ones who need to change. We need to be brave in making decisions and not think only about the negative consequences, but think positively. There are many talented players in this region, as can also be seen in your national team, where you have individuals who play at the highest level. Patience is needed, and each new generation must bring something new. I am sure that everything will be much better in the future.”
