Zašto Andrej Ilić nije na spisku: Paunović pročitao poruku napadača iz Bundeslige koji je

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The Andrej Ilić Absence and the Wedding Explanation

The absence of Bundesliga forward Andrej Ilić from the current squad list has sparked significant speculation, but coach Veljko Paunović has provided a direct, if unconventional, explanation. According to Sportal.rs, Paunović revealed that Ilić was included on the wider list but was unable to attend the gathering. To quell the rumors, Paunović read a message from the striker verbatim to the press, citing both bureaucratic hurdles and a major family milestone. “I think there is no need for me to come for a visa, I will not be able to attend the next gathering. It has been a tough season, my biological brother is getting married on May 30.” Veljko Paunović, reading a message from Andrej Ilić While Paunović expressed understanding for the personal circumstances, his broader analysis reveals a more concerning psychological undercurrent within the squad. He noted that the absence of a concrete goal—specifically the failure to reach the World Cup—has altered the mental energy of some players. Paunović suggested that if the team were currently preparing for a World Cup, the competition to secure a spot on the roster would be far more aggressive. The coach is now focused on shifting this energy toward the Nations League and the European Championship qualifiers. His primary objective is to ensure that the public and media narrative remains positive to avoid a toxic environment when the team reconvenes in September.

The Road to Lisbon and Toluca

The senior squad is now transitioning from training in Stari Pazova to a series of high-profile friendlies. As reported by B92, the team is scheduled for two specific tests:

Cape Verde: The match takes place in Lisbon on May 31, starting at 5:00 PM.

Mexico: The squad will travel to Toluca for a match on June 5, starting at 4:00 AM.

The preparation phase has been marked by an influx of veteran support. Former national team player Ninković visited the camp, offering an analytical perspective on the current state of the players. He emphasized that the athletes are arriving after grueling club seasons and deserve credit for the extra physical and mental effort required for international duty. “First of all, I expect them to show themselves in a good light. The boys are coming after long seasons and it’s certainly not easy for them. They should be given credit for finding the strength to make the additional effort and make themselves available. They will have two matches to show what they know and to impose themselves on coach Paunović for the Nations League and the European Championship qualifying matches.” Ninković, via B92 Ninković also shared insights from a recent deep-dive conversation with Paunović regarding coaching philosophies, noting that the manager seems satisfied with the team’s current training trajectory. The veteran also drew parallels to his own past experiences traveling to Honduras and Mexico, reminding the current squad that positive internal energy outweighs the hardships of long travel or hotel lockdowns. Further reinforcing this bridge between generations, Srđan Babić, a member of the championship-winning New Zealand generation, visited the training camp in Stari Pazova. “Babić came to Stari Pazova with his son to greet coach Paunović and his teammates from the national team, wishing them much luck before the trip to Lisbon and the upcoming challenges.” FSS Official Statement

The Medical Race for Veljko Milosavljević

While the senior team focuses on logistics, there is significant anxiety surrounding the youth selection, specifically regarding central defender Veljko Milosavljević. A key asset for coach Gordan Petrić, Milosavljević is considered essential for the upcoming European Championship in Wales. The primary concern is a front-compartment injury that has yet to be fully diagnosed. According to Mozzart Sport, an initial MRI scan failed to determine the exact degree of the damage. To resolve the ambiguity, the Football Association of Serbia (FSS) has arranged a second, more specialized scan in England. The timeline for this medical determination is critical: Event Date Location Objective Second MRI Scan June 5 England Determine extent of front-compartment damage Euro Selection Post-June 5 TBD Confirm availability for European Championship in Wales Milosavljević’s importance to the “class of 2007” cannot be overstated. He has established a long-term defensive partnership with Nikola Simić of Partizan, a tandem that dates back to their pioneer days. For Gordan Petrić, the loss of Milosavljević would not only be a loss of individual talent but the disruption of a settled defensive chemistry that proved vital during the qualifying tournament in Portugal. The next few days represent a crossroads for both Serbian levels of international football. The senior team must use the Lisbon and Toluca matches to rebuild a sense of urgency and motivation, while the youth team awaits a medical report from England that could fundamentally alter their defensive strategy for the European Championship.