Fans, especially those who admired him in the Montenegro jersey, remember the impact players like Dejan Damjanović and Andrija Delibasic had against great teams like England. Now, the younger Damjanović, just three months his junior, is set to carry on the legacy of his late teammate.

As of today, Dejan “Boske” Damjanović has officially taken over as the sports director of Budućnost Football Club, succeeding the beloved Delibasic, who sadly passed away on March 19th.

“We all know what happened. Andrija was like a brother to me; it’s a difficult topic. It’s a privilege to inherit his vision, and I hope to fulfill what he started,” Boske expressed during a press conference following his promotion.

Delibasic left Budućnost at a peak, providing Damjanović with an excellent foundation to continue his professional journey.

“I’m grateful to Budućnost and Novak Novaković (executive director) for this opportunity; it’s truly an honor. Returning to the premier Montenegrin club comes with high expectations. I aim to contribute significantly, especially in achieving a breakthrough in Europe. While I never saw myself as a coach, this role feels fitting,” Damjanović remarked.

Strong team, positive results, immense potential

Budućnost dominated Montenegrin football this season, securing their seventh title long before the championship’s conclusion.

“We possess a strong team, impressive results, and outstanding potential. I’m full of life, energy, and a strong desire to work. What I achieved on the field, I plan to bring into the club. I believe we are moving in the right direction. We have a dominant team with potential and young talents. I am optimistic,” he said.

Boske is candid about the significance of his new position.

“Budućnost was a prestigious club in the former Yugoslavia, known for producing remarkable players and achieving great success. It makes me a bit nervous, but I fully understand the weight of Budućnost’s legacy. I’m taking this very seriously,” stated the former Montenegrin striker.

Unique youth prospects, European quality

The future is indeed bright, a sentiment that pleases Damjanović.

“We have five youth national team players set to compete in the historic European Championship. That level of talent is unparalleled elsewhere,” the new sports director of the “blue and whites” emphasized.

With Montenegro once again at the forefront, is it time to advance in Europe after recent rejuvenation?

“Certain factors have to align for a successful draw, but our outlook looks promising. I can’t make promises, as we know how critical a draw is in Europe, and facing unfavorable odds can be tough. However, we have the quality to vie for European competition,” Damjanović stated, pointing out regional examples.

“If Celje can reach the quarterfinals of the Conference League, no one can convince me that Budućnost cannot do the same. Our quality, desire, and potential can contribute to a historic achievement,” he added.

Regarding the Meridianbet First Montenegrin Football League, he shared…

“The league suffered from lackluster results, subpar infrastructure, and poor pitch conditions, which led to skepticism. However, our national players have performed well domestically. Recently, infrastructure improvements have taken place, and the Football Association is committed to assisting clubs in achieving optimal playing conditions. The Montenegrin league is now at an acceptable level,” Damjanović concluded.

A foreign player only if they add value

Damjanović carved out a remarkable career in South Korea, particularly with Seoul FC, and remains the top scorer in the history of the Asian Champions League.

“I won’t focus on recruiting Koreans; a foreign player must bring something unique and impactful. If we can’t find a foreign player who truly adds value, then we don’t need them. We’ll keep our eyes open for talents that can enhance our team, like Grbić, Ivanović, and Adžić. There’s no rush; we’ll evaluate options as they arise. If there’s a fitting proposition within our budget, we’ll consider it,” explained Boske.

He also reflected on young talents making significant transfers from Budućnost, including Vasilije Adžić (Juventus), Andrija Bulatović (Lans), and Bodin Tomašević (Bologna).

“I wish we could retain our young players for an additional year, but that would be selfish. We need to be a club known for developing talent while achieving success. These individuals might be the future of our national team. Such transfers, like the one for Andrija Bulatović, positively impact Montenegrin football, showcasing our strength,” Damjanović concluded.

Novaković: A pivotal figure in our strategy

Novak Novaković, the executive director of Budućnost, confirmed that a two-year contract was signed with Damjanović.

“We are excited to have a prominent figure like him join us to enhance our strategic efforts. His arrival comes at an ideal time. Football is dynamic, and timely reactions are crucial,” Novaković remarked.

News