Prosinecki to coach Red Star Belgrade

Former Croatian international Robert Prosinecki says he is taking over as coach of his former club Red Star Belgrade, local media reported Thursday.

“On Thursday I will go to Belgrade for confirmation,” the 41-year-old former midfielder told the Jutarnji List daily.

Red Star confirmed in Belgrade they were to unveil Prosinecki fas their new manager later Thursday.

“They (Red Star) called me for the first time a month ago. Maybe I have no experience, but I believe in my possibilities and my talent,” Prosinceki said.

“Red Star is a big club, the club of my memories, a club where I will not remain for life. Maybe one day I will coach Liverpool, but at this moment Red Star is the most I can get,” he added.

Prosinecki is to replace Aleksandar Kristic who was sacked this month due to the club’s weak performance both on the local and international scene.

Red Star finished the autumn season second, trailing behind their main rivals, Partizan Belgrade.

Prosinecki started his professional carrier in Dinamo Zagreb in 1986, joining Red Star a year later.

He stayed with the Serbian club until 1991 when they were crowned champions of Europe.

“They gave me a lot and I have to return them something,” Prosinecki said.

He later had spells with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Standard Liege and Portsmouth.

Prosinecki played 49 matches for Croatia’s national team and scored 10 goals. He was a member of the team that took third place at the 1998 World Cup.

After retiring Prosinecki returned to Croatia to become assistant coach with the national team.