Barbarez: Dragons in the gym, that's why training is closed

The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team plays a Nations League match against Germany on Friday.

Dario Šarić will miss tonight's training, confirmed selector Sergej Barbarez this evening, and then pointed out that Demirović, Tabaković and Gazibegović will also miss tonight's training.

“Demirović and Tabaković are late. The flight was from Frankfurt, so we transferred them to Bač. Both flights were delayed, they were supposed to land at 2, and everyone was following it. It's the first time I've done these flights, not them. Gazibegović's flight was delayed, the three of them are in Vienna waiting. At ten o'clock tonight,” said Barbarez, and then commented on Germany:

“You know that's my second home and I respect that country and that football. I adore their style of football and their way of systematization. Their vision is brilliant and the way they ask questions when something is wrong. I gave statements for German media and they ask me why I praise them. I know everything, I spent half my life there. I know how much pressure there is and how many people are there. It's hard to reach a certain level there. Not to be a man who repeats himself. You have to be realistic, but every match is for itself. Last time I said that form beats quality and we will stick to that.”

The selector also commented on injury problems and the possible absence of Amar Dedić.

“No one is injured anymore, everyone came smiling and that was the most important thing to me, that they have the will and desire,” said Barbarez, and then commented on the reason why training is closed to the public:

“There will be 4-5 of us at training. With the three who are missing (Demirović, Tabaković, Šarić, Gazibegović), this will be 90% in the gym. They will work in the gym and that's why training is closed. Nothing else because of that nature.”

The selector is aware that it will be very difficult in the upcoming matches.

“There is no coach who will say I will play defensively and that's how we play. When we play against Italians, English and Hungarians away, it's a different story, but when we play at home it's different. These are superpowers, some players are three spears ahead of ours, but we play at home. The atmosphere is important. I read their articles where they pointed out that this is Sergej's first home match, we have to be mentally prepared. We have to know our goals, all of that plays step by step and only then can we achieve something. That's the only way we can reach a certain level and maintain it. That's our idea, I think I've been honest with everyone all the time and that's how I think. There is a plan and reality can only lead us to some goal,” said the selector.

What would satisfy the selector in the upcoming two matches?

“As a footballer, two wins would satisfy me, but the next step can satisfy me. We know what the Germans are and how they will play. They play the same against whoever they play. There is no orientation towards the opponent. That's how all big teams do it. The Hungarians have to beat us to maintain their status in League A and it will be difficult. After these eight matches, we will talk about what worked and what didn't. There is still a lot to improve, but we go step by step. I would like to play with four attackers, we watched the Germans who attack with six players, but we have to be realistic. It's a bit harder to attack them that way, Kolašinac knows what it's like to play against them, and I haven't enjoyed a match like Atalanta played against them (the Germans) in a long time. We have to be composed and that is our only true path,” said Barbarez.

This will be our selector's first match on home soil as selector, what are the emotions?

“I love Zenica, I loved playing there and I am proud that I played there. I get goosebumps when I remember it and I am proud of everything. Seeing people in the stands, seeing you journalists, I am proud. I love this country no matter what it is and what problems it has. Yesterday we were in Zenica, I deliberately wanted to see the stadium and the camp. Jokingly, I say 'Zenica is the same as it was when I played'. That was the most beautiful emotion for me and the best time I spent. I remember the match against Belgium and the image of the stands, it was probably never fuller. That's the first thing that comes to mind. Every match is important, even the friendly against Hungary when it was muddy. I live that emotion and I love it,” emphasizes Barbarez.

The match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany is played on Friday at 8:45 PM.