The coach of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team, Sergej Barbarez, spoke about qualifying for the World Cup, emotions, relationship with the players, changes in the national team and ambitions for the continuation of the competition.
At the beginning, he described his first emotions after the historic success.
“Well, how did I feel? I was definitely happy. The fulfillment of something big, some of our ideas, some ideas, some plan, some vision. There wasn’t much thinking involved. We simply all hugged each other, felt happy, had smiles on our faces and celebrated,” said Barbarez.
Speaking about the events after the match and the press conference, he admitted that he had not managed to say everything he wanted to.
“I’m sorry, I wanted to say more, but I couldn’t. We wanted to go celebrate with our fans, with the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as soon as possible, because that was the reason for everything,” he said.
He particularly emphasized the atmosphere among the fans.
“That was fascinating. Those are the moments when you just stand there and enjoy it. I could have filmed it, but I decided to ‘buy’ that moment for myself. I saw people and my guys being happy – that made me the most satisfied,” he emphasized.
He also spoke about his relationship with the players, which was in the public’s focus.
“I try to be who I am in private. That form of communication is the most important to me. First the human basis, and only then the sporting part. If that doesn’t exist, it’s difficult to build further,” he said.
He added that the national team requires a special approach.
“This is not club football. This is about reputation, about the country. That base of relationships and communication is key,” he emphasized.
He also reflected on making difficult decisions.
“Of course, there are unpopular decisions, but you always look at the whole. That is the path we have set and that the players are following,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of continuous communication with the players and associates.
“We are in constant contact. We talk to Emir Spahić every day, but also with the players. That was key, because you can’t prepare a game in three days if you haven’t worked before,” he said.
He also recalled the problems at the beginning of his term.
We had situations of delays, indiscipline, things that we could not accept. Then we started to solve problems. There were unpopular decisions, but today we see that we were right”, he emphasized.
He emphasized how much the national team has changed in a short period of time.
“In a year and nine months, we have completely turned the story around. That may be too fast, but we enjoy it. We see what this success has brought to the people and the country”, he said.
He also spoke about players who calculate when choosing the national team.
“Today, players can choose between several countries. If they want success, they must put personal things aside”, he said.
He emphasized the broader significance of the national team’s success.
“We are the national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We represent the country and this is everyone’s success. Sport is the greatest ambassador of a country”, he said.
He added that this is just the beginning.
“Our story is just beginning. As the Germans say – we have felt the blood. Now we have even greater motivation and desire for success”, he said.
He also spoke about the atmosphere before the World Cup.
“I would like the people to live in euphoria until the first game. We need that energy. My job is to keep the team on the ground, but the energy of the people is our soul food,” he pointed out.
He also referred to personal emotions.
“I watched the 2014 World Cup and thought what it was like. Now I will experience it as a coach. I am trying to imagine that feeling and I will definitely enjoy it,” he said.
Speaking of goals, he was clear.
“If you beat the national teams that are ahead of you in terms of all parameters, you have to have confidence. We want to make a step forward and try to pass the group,” he said.
He also touched the captain of the national team.
“I still lack the respect he deserves. We will only understand how great he was when he finishes his career. Such people should stay close to the national team,” he pointed out.
At the end, he sent a message to the youth.
“It’s not a philosophy – training, training and more training. Self-belief and dedication are the key. Even with less talent, you can achieve great success if you work hard enough,” concluded Barbarez.
