Let's calm tensions to make you proud in Brazil

Emir Spahić, captain of the BiH football team, appeared on Senad Hadžifejzović's Dnevnik on FACE TV for the first time since the problems that emerged in the national team following the crisis that shook BiH after the loss to Egypt. In the Centralni dnevnik, he stated that he was not sure how to describe the event in Innsbruck, but also said that the entire atmosphere from the moment they arrived at the hotel resembled a debacle.

- What happened was a debacle and great stress for all of us. The atmosphere inside and around the team was not good. However, perhaps the whistles were the most painful thing that happened. Let's be clear, it was normal to expect criticism, even whistles, but why only towards one player. I also played catastrophically. Almost every ball of mine ended up in the opponents' feet. But everything fell on our best player and biggest star Edin Džeko, who is perhaps most responsible for going to Brazil - said Spahić.

He further stated, commenting on the conflict between Džeko's father Midhat and coach Safet Sušić, that the coach himself said it was not a conflict but a dialogue.

- I do not approve of Edin's father's outburst. It should not have happened. The only one who has the right to say something to the coach are the players directly, but looking from a parental perspective, I understand the reaction - said Spahić, adding that he drew something positive from the fans' whistles, whom he called the most important link of the national team.

- I must tell all sincere Bosnians and Herzegovinians to never doubt us, and we will certainly give our all when it is needed, added Spahić, asking everyone to contribute to calming the atmosphere so that we can go to Brazil as peacefully as possible.

Commenting on coach Sušić's statement that Džeko and Spahić would not dictate the national team to him, Spahić said that as captain, he has the right to ask about some players because the coach communicates with them through him.

- Since I carry that burden and since Sušić communicates through me, I asked about Zahirović, Ibričić, Rahimić (Adnan, Senijad, Elvir, ed.a) and also Muslimović (Zlatan, ed.a) because they are worried whether they will even travel to Brazil - said Spahić. He added that he regretted that the coach consciously or intentionally mentioned only Ibričić, while he asked about others as well, without wanting to assemble the team, Spahić added.

He said that as captain, he spoke tonight on behalf of the entire team and that most players think the same, emphasizing that the BiH national team is like a small family, a healthy group, and that they are together even in the hardest times.

- I am the captain and my job is to protect the team from everything, even from the coach if necessary. It is truly difficult for us at this moment because this is the hardest situation we have faced in the last four years. We are strong, we have our opinions. Naturally, we are worried, but I would wish that everyone would help us calm the situation so that we can achieve something special in Brazil - said Spahić for FACE TV.