Serbia keep their eyes on the prize

Coaching careers do not often begin with the drama with which Serbia Under-21 coach Miroslav Djukić was welcomed to the profession. It seemed all over for Serbia after losing the first leg of their UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-off 3-0 at home to Sweden. But in only his fourth match as a coach, Djukić rewrote the record books. An incredible 5-0 victory later, Serbia had qualified for the finals in June.

'United'
"I had tried to take the pressure off the players, because it can affect youngsters much more than adults," Djukić told uefa.com. "[Before the first leg] I told them their sole obligation was to do their best. I told them to play and enjoy it, I would take all the responsibility. We lost 3-0. It was hard for everyone, but I told them to stay united and keep their heads up. I told them not to think of scoring four in the second leg. I just wanted to win 1-0 to show we could beat Sweden, that they weren't better than us. The players wanted to restore their pride. They started the game really focused and everything that went wrong in the first leg went well in the return."

Hands on
Everything has been going well for the 41-year-old Djukić since he decided to return from Spain to take up the U21 role. After a distinguished career in the Primera División, notably with RC Deportivo La Coruña then Valencia CF, he took his coaching badges in his adopted homeland and is happy to be back on the training ground. Djukić takes a hands-on approach and his players are enjoying measuring themselves up against the former Yugoslavia star. "The players asked me to [take part in training]. They want to see how good you are. I'm not one of those coaches who look for authority through shouting, but through talking, explaining, exchanging information."

'Education'
Having only ended his own playing career in 2004, Djukić has a good grasp of the problems facing young players today. "Your experiences as a player help you anticipate different situations. Also, having played at a high level, the players admire you and you are an example to them. But you need the know-how to show you can teach them things. It's important the players believe in your ideas." Djukić is still learning his trade as well, but with Serbian national coach Javier Clemente to lean on, he is not short of good advice. "I'm in frequent contact with Clemente. I consult him regarding tactical and organisational issues. He's like an encyclopedia. He's an expert who has fought on many battlefields. He is very open-minded and highly communicative and is bringing a lot to Serbian football, especially tactical discipline which is what we really need.

Partizan challenge
Djukić, however, is intent forging a reputation of his own. "I want to stamp my own personality, do things my way," he said shortly after taking up his first club posting with FK Partizan in January, He has been doing both jobs in tandem and will relinquish his position as Under-21 coach after these finals. For now, though, his sole focus is on victory in the Netherlands. As part of Serbia and Montenegro and before that Yugoslavia, the nation has an illustrious history in the competition and Djukić is hoping to build on past successess. "England, Portugal, Italy and the Netherlands are favourites because their players are used to playing at a high level. We respect everyone, but we believe in our chances." Following their backs-to-the-wall triumph against Sweden, many others do too.