Bokelj’s leadership made a daring decision to appoint Vladimir Savićević, a 35-year-old manager with no prior first division experience, during a precarious moment in the season. The team was at the bottom of the league standings, grappling with injuries and in desperate need of direction. This bold choice has proved to be a winning combination, invigorating the team and altering its trajectory.
The collaboration between Bokelj and Savićević began on September 11, 2023. Since then, Savićević has celebrated his 36th birthday and has led a previously struggling squad to unexpected successes. As the youngest manager in the Meridianbet 1. CFL, he has managed to stabilize the team, achieving a significant victory against Budućnost and earning points against Mornar and Petrovac. Most notably, he has guided the “blue and whites” into the relegation playoff zone, ending the first half of the season in ninth place with 19 points, four points clear of the last-placed team.
Savićević expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “Despite the complexity of the situation, I did not hesitate when the leaders of Bokelj called me. I knew the players and believed from day one that we could pull the team out of the crisis.” His initial tenure was rocky, with the team losing several matches, including three consecutive games. However, as injured players returned and the team focused on physical conditioning, their performance improved dramatically.
In the final eight matches of the first half of the season, Bokelj experienced only one defeat, showcasing a remarkable turnaround. Savićević noted, “We have not felt the bitterness of defeat in the last five matches, and we have managed to finish the autumn season with a beautiful series of results.” The team’s defensive prowess has also improved, as they did not concede a goal in their last four away matches.
As the club prepares for the spring season, Savićević recognizes the challenges ahead. He emphasizes that the second half of the championship will be shorter and more competitive, where every point is critical. “I am confident that we will maintain our top-flight status,” he remarked. The beginning of the spring matches will be crucial, as a positive start could propel the team above the relegation zone.
Team changes are also on the horizon. Savićević confirmed the departure of several players, including Greek international Kokinis and Japanese player Nishimura, while Balić has retired. New signings include Bakir Nurković, a promising talent with Montenegrin citizenship who previously played for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s youth teams, and Serbian striker Bogdan Stamenković, who has experience in the Superliga and Greek leagues. Additionally, they have secured Dragan Ćetković, a former goalkeeper for Budva.
Training is set to commence on January 12, 2024, with a full schedule planned locally. The team has arranged seven friendly matches, including fixtures against Adria, Lovćen, and Sutjeska. The final pre-season match is slated for February 14, 2024, against Petrovac.
In recognition of his achievements, Savićević has been shortlisted for the best domestic coach award by the Montenegro Football Association. The 36-year-old manager secured third place in the recent awards, trailing behind Zdravko Dragićević of Petrovac and award winner Miodrag Džudović of Jezero. “This recognition means a lot to me, especially coming from my colleagues,” Savićević stated.
Looking ahead, Savićević plans to enhance his coaching skills further. At the start of the new year, he will travel to Milano to observe training sessions at the club where his father, Dejan Savićević, made a significant impact. He aims to learn from Massimiliano Allegri, the manager of AC Milan, attending training sessions and watching two of their matches. “I am someone who loves to learn and improve. Allegri is a great coach, and the stature of Milan speaks for itself,” Savićević remarked.
The upcoming months will be pivotal for Bokelj, as they strive to solidify their place in the top division while embracing the fresh energy brought by their young manager.
