Uroš Stevanović has resigned as head coach of Serbia’s men’s national water polo team, bringing an end to a highly successful three-year spell that delivered Olympic and European titles.

The 41-year-old’s departure comes just days after a change in leadership at the Serbian Water Polo Federation, with former international goalkeeper Slobodan Soro elected as president. In his first public comments, Soro suggested Stevanović would need to choose between continuing in the national team role or remaining with club side Radnički.

Soro also questioned the weight of Serbia’s recent European Championship success, describing the gold medal in Belgrade as “more a result of momentary inspiration than proof of quality” in an interview with national broadcaster RTS.

Those remarks appeared to deepen a growing divide, and Stevanović has now stepped down, citing differences in vision and a desire to avoid further disruption.

In a written statement, he described the decision as both “difficult and inevitable”.

“With the arrival of new leadership, the time has come for changes on the bench as well,” he said. “Our visions for the future differ significantly, and I do not want that to create problems within the team or the federation.”

Stevanović also referenced the recent public criticism, making clear his concern for the players who delivered Serbia’s recent success.

“We have all witnessed statements that are contrary not only to my views, but to the feelings of the nation towards our Olympic and European champions,” he added. “It is precisely to protect those players that I am stepping down.”

He confirmed he would not engage further on the issue, saying he would avoid “any kind of polemics” in the media.

Stevanović took charge of Serbia during a period of transition following the country’s golden generation and quickly restored them to the top of the sport. Under his leadership, Serbia won Olympic gold and European gold, while also finishing fourth at the World Championships.

His exit leaves the national team without a head coach at a crucial stage of the international calendar, with preparations for upcoming major tournaments already underway.

Reports in Serbia suggest Živko Gocić, a former international and most recently head coach of Novi Beograd, is the leading candidate to take over.

Stevanović will remain in club water polo, continuing his work with Radnički, who were crowned VRL champions earlier this month.

While his tenure ends amid disagreement, his record ensures he leaves as one of the most successful recent coaches in Serbian water polo — and his departure raises fresh questions about the direction of the national team under its new leadership.