Ilija Stolica appointed new FK Partizan Head Coach

After the departure of Aleksandar Stanojevic, FK Partizan named Illja Stolica new Head Coach ahead of domestic and European 2022/23 season.

Ahead of official press-conference, Ilija Stolica was welcomed by FK Partizan President Milorad Vucelic, General Director Milos Vazura and Sporting Director Ivica Iliev.

New Partizan boss will start pre-season with his new charges on Monday.

Ilija Stolica addressed journalists on a special presser:

-Arrival to Partizan is a great responsibility. It`s hard for me to explain the happiness I feel now, I have connection and emotions attached to this club and that`s something that goes over any challenges, doubts and questions. Over the years, I had talks with the club but there is no better time for me to take over Partizan but now. Some might say it`s hard and difficult job but I feel it`s the best possible option for me.

We have a season ahead of us with World Cup sandwiched in between, domestic championship starts earlier as a result and we have only four pre-season weeks. Summer is always complicated and I would love to have complete squad on Monday but we`ll have to work on transfer window as it goes. We`ll do our best to talk with all the players as soon as possible, before me move to Slovenia for a pre-season preps.

We expect the expected! Surely, we`ll play each game to win, with our principles, ideas and attitude, hoping for a positive feedback from fans. We want fans to enjoy watching our team. Everything else, non-football related, should be left aside while we remain proud Partizan soldiers.

FK Partizan Sports Director Ivica Iliev on Ilija Stolica arrival:

-Stolica was part of our coaching staff when we won the title in 2015 while he helped us win it in 2017 by beating our bitter rivals with his respective club when it really mattered. He`s revolutionary since he arrived on Serbian football scene and he was always close candidate to take our Partizan coaching helm.

I really believe in this move and I want our fans to have faith too. We missed on appointing Stolica on several occasions but this is the right moment – it`s time two of us to lead this Partizan team. I can guarantee attacking and top-notch football game and I believe results will follow our path.

PHOTO GALLERY: SANDIC PHOTOGRAPHY