Zagreb coach Nenad Bjelica: “I am respected here”

Nenad Bjelica (53) ended his playing career in Austria and started his coaching career here. He once led Austria into the Champions League, and now he’s back Dinamo Zagreb. He only got one point in seven games against Salzburg. On Wednesday he finally wants his first victory (9 p.m./live on Canal+). Before that he took time for an interview with DELIVERY MAN.

Do you know what happened on February 15, 2014?
My dismissal from Austria?

Almost, it was the last game with Austria…
A 1-1 draw against Wiener Neustadt.

Have you had a game in Austria since then?
No competitive games, just a few friendly games.

How do you feel when you come back?
It’s definitely something special. I am at home in Austria, have my house in Klagenfurt, and always come when I have time. I am still very connected to Austria. I am also very grateful to all my coaching positions and all the clubs that gave me the chance. Austria certainly played a big role on my path as a coach.

You have been Zagreb coach again for around a month. Was that surprising?
Yes. Nobody expected that the coach would have to leave. But then there was a small crisis where Dinamo lost 9-2 against Bayern, among others. The club management decided practically overnight to change the coach. We had discussions, agreed, now I’m back.

How do you rate your chances against Salzburg?
Salzburg is a young, hungry team that may not have started well, but has a lot of quality. They have been playing in the group stage of the Champions League for years. We have a lot of respect.

But Salzburg has had big problems recently…
I am convinced that Salzburg will regain its former strength. I hope not against us yet.

Are Salzburg and Dinamo comparable?
Both have been very dominant in the league over the years. With the exception of 2017, Dinamo have always been champions since 2006. Things didn’t work out for Salzburg last year, but that can happen. Salzburg remains a well-established club in Austria and also in Europe.

You have already had several positions as a trainer in several countries. What was the highlight?
My first time here at Dinamo. Not just because we won titles, but because we wintered in Europe for the first time in 49 years. That was definitely the highlight. But there were many other successes and beautiful moments. I am proud of everything I have achieved so far.

Is there anything you wish you hadn’t done?
No. Everything I did, I did with my heart and soul. I have always done my best. But we know that things happen in football that you can’t control. I accept everything as it comes and continue on my path.

Where will this path lead you?
I’m currently very happy at Dinamo. I’m at home, I’m respected. That’s what counts in the end. But you have to set goals and you can dream too. Spain or Italy would be nice at some point.

Is it also possible to return to Austria?
Never say never! At the moment my focus is entirely on Dinamo. If an opportunity arises that I can go to a top league, then I will do that. But I have no pressure at all to achieve that because I’m now at a very big club. And Austria – who knows, maybe again at some point. But that’s not an issue for me at the moment.