Vučinić: We will gradually rejuvenate the team, the most important thing is that the players want this jersey

Mirko Vučinić on a new assignment and without a doubt facing the biggest challenge of his career.

The legendary striker took over the Montenegrin national team after the departure of Robert Prosinecki and will be on the bench at least until the end of the year - he will lead the "falcons" in the last four matches of 2025. Three in the final qualifiers and one friendly...

"I feel honored and pleased, it was my great desire to one day become a coach. I've been here since the first day the national team existed, I've always loved coming and that's how it should be with everyone. I've played many games in my career, but it was a special feeling when I played at the stadium under Gorica. Even though I had more defeats than victories in the national team jersey," said Vučinić at the presentation.

Our team is on a losing streak, having lost to the Czech Republic and Croatia in September, but Vučinić wants to see a motivated team in October, despite the negative atmosphere lately.

"It's difficult to motivate players considering that there have been no positive results. However, we should always think that we are playing for our country and when that is the case, you don't need motivation. I remember the video on social media when the Brazil coach announced that Richarlison had been called up, he started jumping with joy. The point is - everyone has to be motivated when playing for this team. The most important thing is that the player wants this jersey."

All players must know what is required of them

And how will Montenegro play?

"The only thing I can promise is that I will do everything to change the results that have not been good lately. As for the idea of ​​football - it is important that we have possession and play attacking, but it is equally important how we stand on the field. I spent most of my career in Italy, where everything is in the details and tactics and it is important that all players know what is required of them and what they need to do," said Mirko.

One of the goals, perhaps the primary one, will be rejuvenation:

"My goal will be to rejuvenate the team. We have a lot of young and talented players. That doesn't mean we're going to replace all 20 players right away. Everything has to be gradual, it takes time for both me and them, so that we don't "burn" them out right away."

Vučinić has been on the Montenegrin coaching staff for the last three and a half years. He worked with Miodrag Radulović and Prosinečki, now he is the boss and has yet to choose his associates.

"I've always been fascinated by competing, creating tactics, formations... We did that when we were younger, playing "manager", and later in my career - while I was in the United Arab Emirates - I had the freedom to decide on some things on the field," said Vučinić.

Adžić? I know the pressure at Juve, I expect him to be a leader here.

He also reflected on the good week that Vasilije Adžić had.

"Like Adžić, it is important that every player who is called up plays continuously. In Italy they say that one game is worth more than four good training sessions. He is a very high-quality player, even though he is very young. I know what it is like to be at Juve and how much pressure there is. When he comes to the national team, I expect him not only to play well, but to take responsibility and be a leader. Few people have such a player - he is young, has quality and it is up to him to show it."

And finally - Stevan Jovetić. And the question - will he still play for the national team?

"We all know how much Stevan has given to this national team and how much he has contributed. I will talk to him, I'm sure he can help. It's up to him to see if he can or can't - he knows his body best. The door is always open to Stevan," concluded Vučinić.