Zeljković announced the construction of a national stadium in Zenica: I ask everyone to be cooperative and let's start the work this year

(Patria) - A press conference was held at the Football Association of BiH after qualifying for the World Cup.

Association President Vico Zeljković congratulated all the players and the coach, director Emir Spahić, and captain Edin Džeko.

„This is the result of quality work, discipline, and everything that the coach and director demanded when they started this project. I want to thank UEFA President Čeferin and the delegation. Their support means a lot to us. I am glad that he is giving us so much support when it comes to the development of football. This success is greater when we know that we played against Italy. We have the quality for a lot, and it puts a special emphasis on this huge success. We are the only team from the Western Balkans to qualify for the World Cup.

In the past period, there have been many challenges, different opinions, and pressures on both me and the Association. I did not engage in responding to criticism but in working. And I think the results speak louder than any words. The very arrival of coach Barbarez and director Spahić, everything we had to go through to achieve this success. We had pressure, but we remained consistent, and thank God we did not succumb to pressure and respected each other. That has certainly brought a special and significant result for football in BiH today. We will try to make the most of it together. We do not want to stop here. We will certainly not go to the World Cup as tourists. We will try to make a step forward and pass the group. To gain additional experience there," said Zeljković.

Zeljković said that the main goal was to qualify for the European Championship.

"And that was our main goal when we started this project. And we have already managed to reach the World Cup. The last qualification for the World Cup was in 2014, and it was not used well. We got into problems, we had stagnation. We must not repeat that mistake. We have made serious plans, but I will not say them now," he said.

When it comes to the construction of the national stadium, he said that the existing Bilino Polje stadium will be demolished, and a new one with a capacity of 18,000 seats will be built.

"I appeal to all relevant institutions and people who have a say to be cooperative and let's start the work. In addition to that, there are a number of other infrastructure projects, stadium reconstructions across BiH. We have many plans and projects," he said.

Zeljković explained that he expects work to begin this year and that they will find the best financing model.

Coach Sergej Barbarez said he was overjoyed, very satisfied, and very emotional.

"I would first like to thank my guys, my fighters, my sons, that I love them precisely because of those characters. Sometimes it's not easy with me, they carried it, they accepted every idea, every way of leading this team. I am truly proud. Thank you very much for being your coach, and I hope to be with you and coach you for a long time," said Barbarez.

Director Emir Spahić thanked all the players for everything they did in the last two matches.

"From the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you, and thank you. What you showed, I was a player, I played for a long time, I cannot describe it in words. Simply, a huge thank you," said Spahić.

He also thanked Vico Zeljković for his support even when there were losses.

"I must not forget the fans. Since I've been in this national team, it's been wonderful. Every match has its weight, its meaning, but the support has never been lacking. That support from the stands had to be felt in the locker room as well, without a single ugly shout, without flares, that is the path we must follow. We showed that to the Italians too. Cultured, normal, calm, never arrogant, and humble," said Spahić.

Barbarez said that preparations lie ahead, as well as great responsibility for what needs to happen in Canada and America.

„Regarding both the organization and the players, it will be at the highest level. I am just waiting for June 12th for our anthem to play, and that is some kind of my lifelong dream,“ said Barbarez, who was overcome with emotion.