Partizan's new coach/ Who is the "rebel" who enraged the Scots?

2023-06-09 10:53:18, Sport CNA

If you search "Google" for the name of Zoran Zekiçi, who is expected to be appointed as coach at Partizan, an article from "The Sun" appears, which in the main photo has the image of the coach with the middle finger up. To remember this moment, we must go back to 2018, when Osijek and Steven Gerrard's Rejxërsi collided in the second round of the Europa League. The first match in Croatia ended 0-1 for the Scots, while the second ended 1-1. In the end, Zeki? was provoked by the 50,000 fans at "Ibrox" and he did not hesitate, sticking out his middle finger, an image that went around the world.

This photo shows a lot about the coach's personality. “I apologize for my inappropriate behavior, but you already know me. You know I'm emotional. There was a moment where I acted with a hot head. The head then cooled down, but the heart remains hot", Zekic defended himself after the match. Partizan has received an experienced strategist, but also a "warrior", ready to answer any rival.

CAREER – As a footballer, he played in the center of attack and the 49-year-old spent most of his career in Croatia with different teams such as Osijek, Dinamo Zagreb, Rijeka, Istra or Maksimir. Maksimir gave him his first chance to become a coach, which he managed for one year as a player-coach and for two years from the bench. But Zekiçit registered the explosion in Moldova, where in the 2014-2015 season he led Sherif Tiraspol and won the Cup. In the following four seasons, the former striker returned to his homeland to manage Osijek, with whom he repeatedly managed to qualify for Europe.

He stayed at the top for 152 games. To return to the trophies, it was necessary to return to Sherif, where in 2018-2019 he won the champion title, while by coincidence Partizan also did this in Albania. The coach crowned the season with the Cup trophy. In the Champions League, Sherif faced Partizan, with Zekic, who came to Tirana and won 0-1, while complaining about the August heat. In the first challenge, Sheriff's player, Liridon Latifi, played a part. The second ended 1-1. Then came a lackluster adventure in Hungary under Dijozgor, before spending two years with Slaven Belupo. This season he saved the team from relegation.