MILUTINOVIC: RUSSIA MUST ALWAYS PARTICIPATE IN WORLD
CUPS
At the Confederations Cup the special correspondent
of Sport Express talked to a well-known Serbian coach Bora Milutinovic
now heading Iraq's national team.
Photo REUTERS
The charming Serbian worked with clubs and national teams
all over the world. As a coach-traveler he outgunned our Guus Hiddink.
Bora Milutinovic headed the national teams of Mexico (twice), Costa Rica,
USA, Nigeria, China, Honduras and Jamaica.
With the exception of the last two all of his teams participated in the
final stages of the World Cups and he is the only coach in the history
that worked at the main World tournaments with five different teams.
Since April of the current year the 64-year specialist having Mexican
citizenship took charge of the Iraqi national team.
After the nil tie in the starting match of the Confederations Cup-2009
against the hosts [South Africa] he did not try to conceal his pleasure
of the result:
- We have won one point and keep on living in the tournament and claim
to advance further from the group. The next match we have is against Spain
and it is honourable to play against one of the strongest national teams
of the world. We will try to play our football and get pleasure from the
match. For the Iraqi team participation in this tournament is the biggest
chance to show themselves to the world.
- There was an impression that Iraqis got tired in the second part of
the match against South Africa:
- But they ran for one half already. The footballers did everything needed
form them, they acted well disciplined, coped with the tactical task,
showed teamplay and support, and so I am pleased with my team.
- Where are living now - in Mexico or in Qatar where the national team
was preparing for the tournament taking into account that many players
perform in the national championship on this country?
- I keep traveling from Mexico, Qatar and Serbia all the time.
- People told you could have headed the Russian national team:
- At the moment a wonderful coach is working with your team. I like your
country, respect your team and Mr. Hiddink. I want Russia very much to
arrive here in South Africa next year for the World Cup. It is quite possible
with Hiddink, your footballers and good organization. Russia must always
participate in final stages of World and European Cups. I hope that my
native Serbia will also won a ticket to South Africa.
- You are known first of all as a coach working with national teams. And
if a Russian club will propose to you?
- One never knows what is in store for him. If somebody phones I am always
ready to consider the offer. I will estimate the tasks, weigh the possibilities
and figure what I can do.
