Coach Igor Štimac to discuss future with Zrinjski amid departure rumors
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Igor Štimac is reportedly leaving his position as coach of Zrinjski, with media speculating about successor candidates.
- Štimac stated he will have a serious conversation with the club's management about his future.
- He acknowledged the team's performance in the league was below expectations, partly due to key players being sidelined.
Speculation is mounting that Igor Štimac may depart as head coach of Bosnian Premier League club Zrinjski, following reports of discussions with potential successors. However, Štimac himself indicated that he will hold a serious conversation with the club's management regarding his future.
I will not prejudge, but we have a serious conversation ahead. I can tell you that I will not participate in a dishonest relationship.
Štimac, who took charge in the summer of 2025, led Zrinjski through a demanding season across four competitions. The team achieved a historic qualification for the Conference League group stage, reaching the knockout rounds before being eliminated by the eventual champions, Crystal Palace. Additionally, Zrinjski secured the Bosnia and Herzegovina Cup and the Supercup under his guidance.
Despite these successes, Zrinjski faltered in the league, finishing significantly behind champions Borac. Štimac acknowledged that his team's league performance was below par. "Our play was not at the level I desire, nor what the fans expect, for a very simple reason: our most creative players were sidelined for a long time," he explained.
We can all be proud of what Zrinjski has achieved this year, so I am a little sad that there is even a discussion about whether the coach stays or not.
Štimac emphasized that any decision about the coach's future must be made with respect for the club, the locker room, and the fans. "We can all be proud of what Zrinjski has achieved this year, so I am a little sad that there is even a discussion about whether the coach stays or not," he added. He also expressed that Zrinjski has become a part of him and that he will remain a sincere supporter, recognizing the club's importance to the identity of Mostar and the Croat community in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Our play was not at the level I desire, nor what the fans expect, for a very simple reason: our most creative players were sidelined for a long time.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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