Dragons' Coaching Staff: Mission Accomplished, We Move On

The last week of March was marked by two matches of the BiH "A" national team, the first qualifier against Andorra and the second friendly against Austria. Besides some of the invited players making their first appearances, coach Mehmed Baždarević and his new coaching staff also debuted on the bench of our best team.

The coach's first assistant, Stefan Žili (Stéphane Gilli), described his new experience as very positive.

- This is my first contact with everyone, and I can say that I am particularly pleased with the good atmosphere. The players worked well and were ready to fulfill everything that was asked of them. The match against Andorra was not easy, even though it seemed so, but Austria was a serious opponent, and I believe we have fulfilled the first set task. We won the necessary points, and at the same time, we saw many players who can represent the future - said Žili.

Although a foreigner, Žili emphasizes that he feels excellent in this environment and enjoys working with the players, his colleagues in the coaching staff, and everyone else involved.

- I am managing well, and for starters, I can say a few words in your language. However, I am focused only on the team and always thinking about what more we can do for the future. The most important thing is that everyone enjoys working, but we must strive to maintain continuity in both work and play. Our task is to think about what is best for the players and to work together with them to achieve what we are here for - added Žili.

Dragan Perić thinks similarly:

- I think we did a good job; we were all as one. In the ten days we worked together, we did a lot for the future. First and foremost, I am thinking about the players we saw on the field, but also about the good results we achieved - added Perić.

Another of Baždarević's assistants, Igor Janković, happily states: "The first gathering is a truly beautiful experience for me. The cooperation within the coaching staff and the team is excellent, which was also evident on the field. The most important thing is that we achieved a victory in Andorra and made many fans happy in Austria, and this will give us 'wind in our sails' in the upcoming matches in the fight for qualification for the Euro. I don't feel like we are working together for the first time; we understood each other perfectly from the start, and I believe this coaching staff has both the quality and the knowledge to lead the national team to the European Championship."

Goalkeeper coach Enver Lugušić was previously part of another coaching staff, and regarding the current one:

- I can only speak in superlatives. We get along and cooperate extremely well, as if this is not our first gathering. When it comes to the players, I can only praise them for their professional and correct attitude. Everyone worked excellently, and as a goalkeeper coach, I cannot fail to mention how much I enjoyed working with them. The relationship was fantastic; they respected everything I asked of them, and I hope we will continue like this - said Lugušić.