In the football spring, the Beran players will start from the first starting position in their quest for the status of the first division. Milan Radulović's team are the autumn champions of the Second Football League, with two points ahead of Bokelje after 19 rounds.
In the last game of autumn, Berane defeated Grbalj at their stadium and with a lot of optimism hopes to return to the domestic elite, for the first time since 2014.
- It was not easy, especially against Grblj, who traditionally played well in Berane, and the team faced the pressure of the importance of the autumn title for the first time, after Bokelj did not celebrate against Komo the day before. We played below par, but we also faced a mistake by the guests in the finish. And it was important, the city started to "live" football, there are 1.700 spectators in the stands, and there will be several times more visitors in the First League, that's why it is important to keep the position - says Radulović.
The former captain of the "European Zeta" does not hide his enormous football experience, which he shares with joy in Berane.
- I really enjoy my work and the city. Everything is far above the initial expectations, the team is working, the atmosphere is excellent, and not only what was agreed, but what was promised was fulfilled within the deadline. The local administration is with the club, municipal leaders Vuko Todorović and Damjan Ćulafić are at every home game. The city is with the club 24 hours a day and so far Berane is a bright example of private-public partnership - says Radulović.
After a successful playing career, football careers in Poland, Israel and Sweden, Radulović said goodbye at the age of 30.
- Somehow, I was always attracted to the work of a coach, and after eight years with the young units of OFK Titograd, Budućnosti and Mladost DG, I received an offer from "Niagara", a Croatian agency based in Madrid, which was satisfied with our cooperation in scouting. I got the opportunity to be the head coach for the first time and I am grateful for the chance, and to Nebojša Jovović for his advice. The last successes of Berana were with Jovović, who emphasized to me that this club is an excellent springboard in his future career - explained Radulović.
Didn't go well?
- Only five points in the first six rounds, I came two days before the championship and I needed to meet. That's why in the last 12 rounds we have 10 wins, a loss and a draw - not without pride, he points out and adds:
- We have the best stopper and goalkeeper in the league, Vojin Jeknić and the experienced Goran Aković, and the two best scorers, Dejan Račić has eight goals and assists each, and Stefan Čadenovic was a reserve in 10 games, and he is the leader with nine goals. The burden of the half-season was borne by only 14 players and reinforcements are needed, we are working on it. Dragiša Vlahović is traditionally in my professional staff, there is also domestic coach Ivica Ćulafić and goalkeeper coach Nedžad Dacić - said Radulović.
Radulović signed an unusual contract with Berane.
- Yes. Year plus three, which implies that at the end of each season we decide by agreement. I don't hide it, it's really nice for me and I would like to stay longer and be part of the project. It means that Berane will be a stable first league team and the center of youth football in the north. Montenegro has ideal conditions to be a development center, and "Niagara" recognized that, and I hope that other clubs will follow this principle of private-public partnership, because finances are the biggest problem of our football. At the same time, I need to educate myself and get a Pro license, now I have an A.
What does the project itself entail?
- First, for Berane to be a stable first league team, for the youth schools to be raised to the highest level, but also for us to be a center where young footballers from all over will have the opportunity to develop and progress through matches. "Niagara" implements a similar project in Croatia, only here it is several times cheaper because the costs of traveling to matches are extremely low - says Radulović
Preparations against the first league team from Croatia
The goal of Beran is victory in the Second League and promotion to the first league caravan. However, the club knows that it will not be easy.
- We need reinforcements as soon as possible, because we are planning preparations in several parts. It is important to be as ready as possible in the matches after the holidays during the preparatory matches with the Croatian first division teams, and this was provided by the owner of the agency Andy Bara. We will assemble the team five or six days before the New Year, and the players will receive instructions today at the last training session. Much of the preparations until the start of the spring season on March 5 will depend on the weather conditions in Berane - concluded Radulović.
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