New Chipolopolo coach Aljosa Asanovic is impressed with the quality of Zambian players but wants to build a good collective.
Asanovic was speaking at Protea Towers Hotel this morning during his official unveiling.
The Croat also said he expected total discipline from his players both on the training ground and on the pitch.
“Everybody knows we have the quality players, Very important for us but on the pitch, we need 11 players, We need a good collective and discipline from the team that’s the most important thing,” he said.
“The quality of the players is very good, am so happy, even in the defense despite conceding a lot of goals we have very good players. We need time to put everything together but that’s my job here,” he added.
Zambia has missed out on qualification to the last three Africa Cup of Nations but the former Croatia National team assistant coach says there is no excuse for the 2023 tournament.
“I’m so happy to be the head coach of the Zambia national team because you are a great country with great players and I have a job to make you happy,” he said.
“There is no excuse for the team to not go to the next Africa Cup of Nations because I know the players and I know how I will make it happen. I’m glad to be here and work with the players.”
“To my players, playing and being disciplined and both on the training ground and the pitch is my way. I will wait for the next camp, next game to work which will be my voice since I don’t talk a lot.”
Asanovic who was Beston Chambeshi’s technical advisor has penned a 4-year performance-based deal.
Slovakian Karol Prazencia will be his assistant coach and Stefan Carevic who will serve as a video assistant.
During his playing career, the 55-year-old featured for clubs in his homeland, England, Italy, and Australia. Asanović featured in the Euro 1996 and 1998 FIFA World Cup, in which Croatia won the bronze medal.
He was Slaven Bilic’s assistant coach for six years from 2006 to 2012. The former Croatia midfielder then had coaching spells in Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.
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