Belgrade, May 3 (agencies) - The Yugoslav football federation confirmed national manager Milovan Djoric would remain in charge of the side for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Russia and the Faroe Islands.
Djoric has taken just two points from Yugoslavia's last three
games - against Switzerland, Slovenia and Russia - while
marginalising key members of the squad, starting disputes with
FA officials and angering fans and the media with his tactics.
But a football federation (FAY) committee gave Djoric
their backing on Thursday.
The group explained in a statement: "The national team has not
succeeded in its last three matches, but Djoric took over at a
delicate moment, when the side needed rejuvenation at the
same time as results.
"We have concluded that he didn't, in all situations, go about
this in the best way. He must make the connection between
youth and experience, which he promised would be possible.
"Of particular concern are the fights and misunderstandings
between Djoric and some of the players. There were cases
when the players were unsatisfied with their treatment,
especially when they were led to believe they would be in the
first 11, then left out.
"The national-team coach has the right to pick the team, but
more attention should be dedicated to avoiding conflicts.
"The committee believes that, after recent results, a negative
atmosphere exists around Djoric. Some have claimed they do
not trust Djoric, but our expert opinion is that he should stay on
for the next two qualifiers.
"After that, the question of who should be the Yugoslavia coach
will be resolved for the long term. For now, we believe the team
can still make it to the World Cup finals."
