Djoric Made Me Snap, Says Kovacevic
Thursday 19th April 2001
Yugoslavia striker Darko Kovacevic has launched a scathing attack on Yugoslavia coach Milovan Djoric's man-management skills, and cast doubt on Djoric's claim that they had settled their differences.
The Juventus man was left out of Djoric's Yugoslavia squad to face Russia, while Charlton goalkeeper Sasa Ilic earned his first international call-up.
"Neither Djoric not I are important," Kovacevic said. "The most important thing is the national team, and in this new team, that has announced its intention of giving youth a chance, I can have only an occasional role.
"Against Switzerland I came off the bench, and I thought I played solidly. I won't deny it � I had hoped for a greater share of the play in Ljubljana, and I was told that I wouldn't in the wrong way. Something snapped in me � I am not a sniveller."
Kovacevic was expelled from the squad before the World Cup qualifier against Slovenia after Djoric accused him of being "rude" during a team-meeting, but the 27-year-old blamed his coach for the incident.
"A coach's approach is very important," he said. "For example, at Juventus, Carlo Ancelotti often calls me and tells me that Filippo Inzaghi and Alessandro del Piero are national team players and have to start the game. Of course, I accept that. We are professionals, but we are not machines. The way you communicate is important."
Despite saying on Wednesday that Kovacevic would not be recalled to the team until he apologised, Djoric claimed on Thursday that he had not been left out for disciplinary reasons, and suggested that he and the forward had put their differences behind them.
"I am sorry Kovacevic is not there," Djoric said. "I have called him and we have talked, and he said to me that he wasn't feeling good."
Kovacevic's version of events is somewhat different. "I am sorry that I won't be with my team-mates, maybe sharing with them the joy after the victory against Russia," he said. "Still, it is important to win. I wish that with all my heart. And if I get the call I will return to national team even if I have to walk to Belgrade."
Djoric has developed a reputation as a prickly character, and, despite being in the Yugoslavia job for only two months he has already had spats with PSV Eindhoven striker Mateja Kezman and Lazio midfielder Dejan Stankovic.
The only major changes to the squad for the World Cup qualifier are in the goalkeeping department, with Ilic replacing Red Star Belgrade's Aleksandar Kocic.
"Sasa Ilic is excellent goalkeeper," Kocic said. "He looks good and the public will like him. He is in good shape and I believe that is he is going to be a big surprise for everybody."
Ilic, who won the man of the match award in Charlton's 3-3 draw with West ham on Tuesday, was delighted to be called up. "I had offers to play for Australia and Wales, but I turned both of them down, saying I was waiting for the opportunity to play in the dark blue shirt."
He admitted, though, that he has yet to see Yugoslavia play in the qualifying competition, and has not had the chance to watch any games in the Yugoslav championship this season.
" I will only diplomatically say that the absence of Kocic from the national team does not mean that he is not in good form, but it does mean that I am in good shape."
Central defender Ivan Dudic, who did not play against Slovenia or Switzerland last month, has been included in the squad ahead of Zoran Mirkovic.
"Mirkovic has hardly played for Fenerbahce, and Dudic has already played against Russia. That is the main reason I have called on him. I haven't picked Ljubinko Drulovic because he hasn't played for a long time. However, I am satisfied with Predrag Djordjevic's efficiency on that position."
