FK Partizan have officially presented Saša Ilić as their new head coach. Seven years after his spectacular farewell from the black-and-white jersey, the player with the most appearances in the club’s history (873) has returned as manager.

He now faces the demanding task of building a winning team and leading a young squad to new victories with his knowledge and authority. The legendary “Sale” said he is not afraid of the challenge.

“I am proud to be the coach of Partizan and I will not even talk about how much this club means to me. I retired from playing in 2019 and since then, for seven years, I have been working as a coach. I have worked in five different countries, in clubs fighting for titles as well as survival, where the priority was developing young players. So I believe I am ready for the biggest challenge of my coaching career. I have been educated for this, I know what awaits me, and I believe that together, including our army of fans, we can improve things,” Ilić said at the presentation.

The record holder for trophies won with Partizan (18) also stressed that success must be built step by step and that he and his staff are entering a two-year project under contract.

“Partizan has a very young squad and we must go step by step. For many players last season was their first in senior football, and it is clear we need reinforcements that can make a difference on the pitch. There are several priority positions, but if a good player appears in other positions we will not hesitate to bring him in. As I said, this is a young team—ups and downs are normal, and we must be aware of our qualities. After one good game we should not think we are the best in the world, nor after one bad game that we are the worst.”

Ilić also stated that his coaching influences include Miša Radaković and Ljubiša Tumbaković, and announced an attacking style of play.

“In a club like Partizan, results are always important, and the first challenge ahead of us is Europe. We will try to leave a good impression there. I want Partizan to play offensive, attractive football with high intensity. Many things will have to be solved along the way because there is not much time,” he said.

The legendary Partizan player also revealed his coaching staff, which will include Veličko Kapšlanović, Ljubiša Ranković, Darko Obradović, Nemanja Jovšić, and fitness specialist Miša Filipović, with the possibility of further additions to the team.