Tadic Rebels Against Coach: 'I Am the Best Player in Serbia'

Tension has erupted in the Serbian national team, which began its participation in Euro 2024 this Sunday with a 1-0 defeat against England in the first match of Group C.

Dusan Tadic, the captain and playmaker of the Serbian team, started the game on the bench and was brought on in the 61st minute, after the English goal scored by Jude Bellingham in the 13th minute. After the final whistle, Tadic did not hide his frustration with the decision of the coach, Dragan Stojkovic.

"I am the leader and captain of this team, I spoke with the coach. I am the best player on this team, I should have played the full 90 minutes. It would have been different if I had been on the field from the start, but I respect the coach's decision. If he wants Dusan Tadic to play 30 minutes, so be it," he commented, in statements to the press of his country.

When asked about the issue in a press conference, Stojkovic explained that Tadic's absence from the starting eleven was a "tactical" decision, aimed at preserving his "freshness" for the final stretch of the match.

The situation has added pressure on a Serbian team that already finds itself in a challenging position. Serbia is currently in last place in Group C of the European Championship, with one point less than Slovenia and Denmark, who drew 1-1 this Sunday, and three points less than the leader, England.

This early setback has put Serbia in a difficult spot as they look to progress from a competitive group. The team will need to regroup quickly and address both their on-field performance and any off-field tensions to improve their chances in the remaining matches. The pressure is mounting on Stojkovic to find the right balance and ensure that his key players, like Tadic, are utilized effectively to maximize their potential.

The next matches in the group will be crucial for Serbia. They need to secure positive results to stay in contention for advancing to the knockout stages. The ability of the team to come together and overcome internal disputes will be tested as they face Slovenia and Denmark, teams that have already demonstrated resilience in their opening matches.

The Serbian supporters will be hoping that the team can turn things around and that Tadic can play a pivotal role in their resurgence. With high expectations and the spotlight firmly on them, Serbia’s journey in Euro 2024 promises to be a test of both their skill and unity.