Vladimir Vujasinović is reportedly in line to become the new head coach of the Serbian men’s national team, although no official confirmation has yet been made.
According to unofficial reports in Serbia, the former Yugoslavia and Serbia great has reached an agreement with the Water Polo Federation of Serbia. Sportal reported on Sunday that Vujasinović, who has coached Vouliagmeni since 2022, is likely to take over the national team, though other sources suggest negotiations are still ongoing.
For now, both Vujasinović and the Serbian federation remain silent, meaning any appointment is still waiting for official confirmation.
If confirmed, it would mark a major return to Serbian water polo for one of the sport’s most respected names. Vujasinović enjoyed an outstanding playing career, representing clubs including Primorje, Crvena Zvezda, Barcelona, Partizan, Roma and Pro Recco.
He won four Champions League titles as a player, three with Pro Recco in 2003, 2007 and 2008, and one with Partizan in 2011. At international level, he collected 20 medals with Yugoslavia and Serbia, including Olympic silver in 2004, Olympic bronze medals in 2000 and 2008, a World Championship title and three European Championship gold medals.
After retiring in 2012, Vujasinović moved into coaching with Partizan, where he remained for four seasons. He later coached Pro Recco, Novi Beograd and Vouliagmeni, taking charge of the Greek club after leaving Novi Beograd during the 2021/22 season.
His coaching career has already included several deep runs in the Champions League. He guided Pro Recco to the final in 2018 and reached the semifinals of the competition with Partizan in 2013 and 2014, with Pro Recco in 2017, and with Vouliagmeni in 2023.
At Vouliagmeni, Vujasinović has built one of the most interesting young teams in Europe. This season, his side came close to a major upset against Olympiacos in the semifinals of the Greek Championship, underlining the progress made under his leadership.
However, the Serbia role would come with significant challenges.
Serbian water polo has been through a turbulent period following recent changes in the federation’s leadership. Uroš Stevanović resigned as national team head coach, while 11 players have publicly stated they will not represent Serbia while Slobodan Soro remains president of the Water Polo Federation.
Soro has also previously stated that Serbia’s national team head coach cannot also coach a Serbian club at the same time. As Vujasinović is currently working outside Serbia with Vouliagmeni, that would appear to leave the possibility open for him to combine both roles, if all parties can reach an agreement.
For now, though, the situation remains unofficial. Serbia may be moving towards a high-profile appointment, but the final confirmation is still to come.
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