Zivko Gocic is no longer the head coach of Novi Beograd, as the Serbian club continues to undergo significant structural changes ahead of the 2025/26 season.
After three seasons at the helm, Gocic has parted ways with the club following unsuccessful contract negotiations.
The club confirmed that Gocic declined the offer made to extend his stay, and will not lead the European vice-champions into the next campaign. Speaking to Total Waterpolo, the former Serbian international explained:
“Yes, it’s true—we couldn’t reach an agreement on extending my stay at the club. We parted on good terms, with mutual respect. The decision was not driven by salary or finances, which were already outlined in the new contract proposal.”
However, according to Serbian media, the offer made to Gocic was perceived by some as inadequate, given his achievements. While not motivated by financial gain, the club’s proposed terms are seen by many as undervaluing the coach’s recent accomplishments—especially in a season where he built a highly competitive team around a new generation of players.
Gocic, who captained Serbia to Olympic gold in 2016, joined Novi Beograd in 2021 after a successful spell at Szolnok. In Hungary, he became the first foreign coach to win the national championship with the club and also lifted the LEN Euro Cup.
Under his leadership, Novi Beograd won two Serbian League titles, three national cups, one Regional League title, and reached three consecutive Champions League finals—earning silver medals in 2022 and 2025.
Despite entering the 2024/25 season without major expectations following a major squad overhaul, Gocic’s side surpassed predictions. They secured the Serbian Cup, finished second in the Serbian League behind Radnički, reached the Champions League final, and reached the semi-finals of the Regional League. Several young players broke through during the campaign, including goalkeeper Glušac, as well as outfield talents Dimitrijević, Gladović, Martinović, and Perković.
Yet Gocic’s exit is just one of several key departures in what appears to be a major shake-up at Novi Beograd. Before the coach’s departure, his assistant, Djordje Filipovic, left to become head coach of Romanian side Steaua Bucharest. The list of confirmed player exits is also growing: Gianmarco Nicosia De Michelis, Dimitrios Skoumpakis, Nemanja Krstić, Angelos Vlachopoulos, and Marko Vučinić are all leaving, with Bilal Gbadamassi also expected to sign for Marseille.
The reasons behind the transition remain unclear, though local reports suggest the club’s internal dynamics may have played a role. Aleksandar Šapić, a former water polo star and the current Mayor of Belgrade, is said to maintain informal influence over club decisions, despite holding no official position.
As the dust settles, it remains to be seen which direction Novi Beograd will now take—both in terms of its new coaching staff and the future identity of its playing squad. One thing is certain: the club is entering a pivotal summer of transformation.
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