The legendary captain in his first role as a helmsman introduced Petrovac into calm waters - Zdravko Dragićević won his coaching debut over the favored leader Dečić (2:1). With that victory, with six games remaining in the championship in the Meridianbet 1st CFL, Petrovac is 10 points above the danger zone.
With the departure of Nenad Brnović, Dragićević was reassigned from the position of assistant coach to the position of head of the team from the stadium under Mali Brda, and he more than excelled in leading the team that outplayed one of the favorites to win the championship.
- The goal was to deny all rumors that the team that I am leading for the first time will have a discount towards anyone. The second goal was to show how much we can really do if we play at our maximum and it is obvious that Petrovac has the quality to play with everyone. Too many draws, some missed chances kept us away from the European Cups, but at least we are in a safe harbor, with a few more points, survival is certain. The victory over Dečić is all the more precious because we earned it even without two important first-team players, Žarko Popović and captain Dejan Boljević - said the 37-year-old coach.
His playing career was marked by lifting the Cup of Montenegro in 2010, when he led the club to the greatest success as captain.
- I was also the scorer in the elimination of Anorthosis in the qualification for the Europa League, which is one of the biggest victories of Montenegrin club football. However, for me as a player, nothing can be compared to the feeling when I lifted the Montenegrin Cup trophy as a captain. There were good moments in Mogren, Obilić, and in the clubs of Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand... I had numerous offers to stay in Asia and improve my coaching there, but I still decided to return and ended my career in Grblje the stopwatch - recalls Dragićević.
Only, from his natural position - offensive midfielder, the team's needs led Dragićević from the position of stopper to point guard.
- It significantly helped me to understand the way of thinking of football players from different lines of the team, to improve myself and I got an A, in May I will also apply for a professional license. I have been in football all my life and it is a logical sequence for me. By the end of the season, our position is clear, I will lead the team and then I will sit down with the management to discuss the goals and ambitions of the club. The positive side is that since the beginning of last year we have confirmed nine young players, mostly from FK Budva, with whom we have a great partnership. In this season, Marko Franeta, Nemanja Carević, Vukas Dragović, Aleksa Vujović and Dejan Perović, who did not come from Budva, but gained the status of a young representative, took advantage of the opportunity. Franet also plays in the youth selection, and Vujović in the youth team - says Dragićević.
The Petrovac championship continues on Sunday, away to Rudar.
- It is true that victory is imperative for them in order to survive, but we are interested in playing as engaged and attacking as possible. My position and game was for a goal more, so I also think like that as a coach. We want to win a few more points as soon as possible, and then give a chance to some more young men from the youth team, in order to gain playing experience. That is the club's priority at this moment - concluded Dragićević.
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