Shock in Serbia, Uroš Stevanović is no longer the head coach of the water polo team: Our visions of the future are quite different

The current head coach of the Serbian national water polo team, Uroš Stevanović, resigned from his position today due to disagreements with the new president of the Water Polo Federation, Slobodan Sora.

The water polo coach of Radnički from Kragujevac stated in a statement that he had submitted his irrevocable resignation and that the decision was "difficult and inevitable", but that he did so to protect the players.

"I believe that after the arrival of new people at the helm of our Federation, it is time for new people by the pool, in the professional management of the best team in Serbia. Our visions of the future differ greatly and I do not want such a situation to lead to any problems within the team and the Federation," said Stevanović.

Former national team player Slobodan Soro, who was elected as the new president of the Water Polo Association last week, said that while he is in office, no national team coach will be able to work for a club at the same time.

"In recent days, we have all witnessed public appearances by the new president of the VSS that are completely contrary to my views, as well as the feelings of the entire nation towards the Olympic and European champions. It is precisely out of the desire to protect the players who have earned gold medals and brought them to Serbia, to the joy of the people, that I am resigning. I do not want to allow any public bickering and 'expert analysis', and I see that we are heading towards that, at the desire of others," said Stevanović.

He stated that the players are true champions for him and expressed his belief that the resignation will lead to "a slightly more realistic view and maybe some praise, instead of sudden critical reviews."

"It is also an opportunity for some new people to get a chance, just as I once deserved the greatest honor. Behind us in the past three years are Olympic and European gold, as well as fourth place at the World Championship. I am proud of every minute of my mandate as coach, and I owe special gratitude to all my associates and players, without whom these successes would not exist," said Stevanović.

He noted that he would not address this topic again and would not enter into any controversy.

Stevanović won Olympic gold with the national team in Paris in 2024, and the European champion title in January in Belgrade.