Barbarez ahead of the match against Germany: We have plenty of players who can take on the role, they can learn a lot from Džeko

(Patria) - The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team will play against Germany on Saturday in the 5th round of the Nations League.

Sergej Barbarez addressed the journalists at the official pre-match press conference. He revealed which players he will not count on for tomorrow's match, as well as his expectations ahead of the encounter with a great national team such as the certainly popular Elf.

„I will never say that I have a problem or that I am missing a player. This is the national team and there are plenty of players who can take on the role. It's all part of sports. We move on. We have young lads whom we want and hope will succeed and be part of us. Today we watched something, almost half of the national team is under 25 years old. We are looking to make this something that will be good for our future and for all of us,“ explained the Dragons' selector, adding:

„Gazibegović and Mujakić will not be ready, but I hope Nihad will be ready for the match against the Netherlands on Tuesday. As for Dedić, he was already ready before the gathering, he trained, and he continued like that here. He lacks a match or two because he hasn't played in the last four, but it's fine.“

Regardless of who the Dragons play against, Barbarez expects maximum effort from every individual:

„That is the idea that must live because in football that is the only way to succeed and achieve results. Many people here mix club and national team football. Here there is a special emotion, pride, some energy. We receive ready-made players, and it is true that the longer they play together, the better they can become. They get this mentality from me because I was like that as a player, and so are all my assistants. And as long as I am here, it will be that way,“ said Barbarez.

Sergej Barbarez spoke about the trip to the amusement park, which quickly became news published in almost all world media.

"That was our idea. Zlatan Bajramović started it. To me, these are sensational ideas. I'm not a fan of such things, but you can see how the lads react. It was a surprise that they did everything we said. They have a desire to be together, to socialize. I've said several times already, I'm proud to be here and to train our team. The most important thing is that we have a plan. I am positive and I approved it for the sake of the match," said Barbarez.

Speaking about captain Edin Džeko, Barbarez said that Džeko certainly deserves a special status.

“He can stay as long as he wants. I haven't asked him yet, but I think he will say yes. He is an extraordinary and exceptional player. I've thought a lot about it. There is a big age difference, a different mentality, a winning one.

He has shown everything. Such types cannot be pushed aside. Like today you are tired and cannot play. They decide for themselves whether they will play or not. Not only football-wise, but also as a leader they carry a lot. The lads can learn a lot from him. He always gives them advice and he is a great gem we have," said Barbarez, who again pointed out that "we are not realistic".

"We from the Balkans are either the best or the worst, and realism is not our best characteristic. Somehow I was sent for these things. Only then can we progress and the lads can work in peace. We can all do it together. We cannot do it alone, you and the fans must be there too," said the selector.