The Serbian national football team has recently entrusted its leadership to a coach renowned for achieving a historic triumph at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. This transition marks the succession of Veljko Paunovic, who replaces Stojkovic, a manager noted for introducing significant young talents to the international stage.
A Long-Awaited Appointment
The appointment of Veljko Paunovic as the head coach of the Serbian senior team did not come swiftly. Despite his remarkable accomplishment as the coach who led Serbia’s U-20 squad to a world championship in 2015, the Serbian Football Federation took over a decade to recognize his suitability for the top role. This prolonged period reflected a cautious deliberation before placing full confidence in his capabilities.
During the intervening years, Paunovic, a former player whose career included a spell at Atlético Madrid among other Spanish clubs, honed his managerial skills primarily across North America. His coaching tenure encompassed leadership roles at notable teams such as Chicago Fire, Chivas de Guadalajara, and Tigres UANL. His success in elevating Real Oviedo to Spain’s Segunda División, often referred to as the ascent to professional football’s second tier, consolidated his reputation and arguably facilitated his eventual return to Serbia as the national team’s head coach.