Zvezdara turn to Karasi
Monday, April 22, 2002
Article summary
FK Zvezdara appoint Stanislav Karasi as their new coach as they fight to avoid relegation.
Article body
FK Zvezdara have named Stanislav Karasi as their new coach as the struggling Belgrade club attempt to avoid relegation from the Yugoslav first division.
Daily burden
The former coach Velimir Djordjevic resigned on Saturday after Zvezdara's 2-0 home defeat against FK Obilic. "I could not face any more the daily burden of the fight to stay in the elite," Djordjevic said.
No-nonsense reputation
Karasi, who built his no-nonsense reputation with FK Milicionar, FK Mladost Lucani and FK Obilic in Yugoslavia before coaching in Kuwait and with Erzurumspor in Turkey last season, is optimistic about his new team's chances of survival.
Optimistic assessment
"Many people ask me if I am crazy," he said. "I answer them back that I am not crazy and that I am starting my job at Zvezdara with optimism. I have quality players and I believe we can stay in the top division. The recipe is simple: a lot of work and a little bit of luck." Zvezdara are third from bottom of the league, two points above the relegation zone.