Nenad Lalatović’s exit has not yet been officially announced, but the current Budućnost coach has shared extensive insights with Serbian media regarding his impending departure.

“I enjoyed my time here; I wanted to leave after the Jezera match (our only victory in the first round). The situation at the club has been challenging. Today, we were unexpectedly accommodated at the hotel reception for two days. We were unsure until match time and ended up sitting in the sun. Budućnost is a respected club, and I aimed to honor the fans, but the club’s current state leaves much to be desired. The salary was delayed by 50 days, so taking all factors into account, my decision feels justified,” Lalatović remarked.

Almost a month ago, during a press conference, he mentioned he wouldn’t have joined had he been aware of the club’s circumstances, and now it seems he is indeed departing…

“The management and fans want me to continue, and a decision is expected by morning. However, my choice is firm. I bear some responsibility; we demonstrated our quality even when down two players against Noa, scoring two goals. I had Bulatović then, but we failed to secure a left-back. Given everything, I can’t endure this any longer. From day one, it was chaotic, and I hope they accept my resignation. I will not reconsider; please don’t plead with me. I am thankful to the Barbarians, who welcomed me like family. I have decided to return home and am grateful for my time at Budućnost,” he stated.

He reiterated issues regarding the lack of signings…

“For the past month, I was practically alone, without seeing any board member. There was minimal communication. On the road against Milsami, it was just us and the fans… Everything affected me; I wanted to leave after Jezera, they pleaded for me to stay, but now there’s no going back. Gašević is also departing and seeking opportunities elsewhere. I was promised financial backing. New players arrived late in the transfer window and need time to adapt back into training rhythm. Bulatović sustained an injury… Since President Spalević’s arrival, conditions have improved, yet I couldn’t bring in the players I desired. Knowing that your players are leaving is challenging, especially when time is tight to react. I reiterate, no one informed us about the hotel arrangements; we were practically at the reception. I appreciate the president and board for wanting me to remain all along.”

In a somewhat convoluted dialogue, Lalatović also touched on additional reasons – the weather, poor pitches, and officiating…

“This is my hometown; I cannot work amid such chaos. The pitches in Montenegro require urgent repairs. The officiating today was appalling; the game went on for two days with no electricity, entirely the club’s responsibility. It’s unacceptable for the club to allow such conditions, we played on a field, not a proper pitch. In extremely bright sunlight, they connected floodlights to a generator. This level of officiating is unacceptable, with the referee acting arrogantly. We should never have played under these circumstances,” Lalatović added, speaking to Telegraf.rs.

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