Filipović departs in Montenegro reshuffle
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
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The search has begun for Montenegro's second ever coach after the first incumbent, Zoran Filipović, was told his contract would not be extended into the new year.
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The search has begun for Montenegro's second ever coach after the first incumbent, Zoran Filipović, was told his contract would not be extended.
'We need a change'
Filipović made history when he was appointed Montenegro boss on 1 February 2007, leading the newly independent nation through 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying, but has been informed his deal, which expired on 31 December 2009, will not be renewed. "Filipović did an enormously good job," said Football Association of Montenegro president Dejan Savićević. "He formed a group of players and worked with great enthusiasm, but now we need something new. We need a change."
Montenegro fan
Savićević added that a new coach will be appointed this month, to allow time for preparation ahead of Montenegro's friendly with FYR Macedonia on 3 March, and FK Crvena Zvezda favourite Filipović believes his legacy is strong. "We have made significant improvements over the past three years, so my successor will an easier job than me," he said. "I wish him all the best and I will be a big Montenegro fan in future. I am proud to have served as the first ever Montenegro coach. I formed a team with character, who played every match with a desire to win. We deserved more [than nine points in ten] World Cup qualifiers, we just didn't have enough luck."
