“You have to have special patience and strategy to work with him”

Sasa Obradovic was a player – in three sequences – and quickly coach – in 2020 – of Red Star and the Serbian media often take his pulse when he returns to his former club. This is the case this time with Meridian Sport.

“My playing career has helped me, but what I have to do every day is prove myself,” he said. “I still can’t believe that this will be my sixth year in total in Monaco (Editor’s note: 2019-20 and since 2021). It is a confirmation of quality, beyond the results You must not lose continuity, because as soon as you leave, others appear and want to take your place. no need to address the question of whether you are replaceable. We are all expendable goods. It's going well at the moment I was facing , and now I'm thinking about Etoile Rouge. owner (Editor's note: Aleksej Fedorycsev), where he told me: “We will be together for years…” So there is trust in my work, but very soon everything can change I don't pay attention to either. good nor bad comments.”

Sasa Obradovic, 55, began his coaching career in 2005 in Cologne. It has obviously evolved over twenty years:

“I would say I’m smarter. It is not a great philosophy that after 20 years I can better select the information to which I will react. It's the secret to a long career. My ability to adapt to different mindsets has helped me, and without passion it is impossible to last that long. These are prerequisites for a good career, but of course they are not the only ones.”

The Serbian coach also talks about his relationship with team star Mike James:

“Our relationship has evolved and is now at an even higher level. Whatever problematic thoughts or behavior he may have had at any given time, he is a good character and no one can convince me otherwise. You need to have special patience and strategy to work with him. This will make your work easier. Abnormal discipline can get you into trouble. I try to find a balance.

“He was made captain, so his task is heavier. Now he has to lead the team towards other goals. After winning individual trophies, it's time to succeed as a team. That's for sure. Lots of greats Coaches haven't been able to find common ground with Mike, so I'm proud of my relationship with him.”

“We must give him free rein to his ideas, allow him to behave in ways on the pitch that are not acceptable to coaches, teammates and even the public. But that's the only way Mike James can be Mike James. That’s when you know he’ll give it back to you,” he said, obviously drawing on his own personal experience.

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