Serbian coach Ljubinko Drulović has been named the new manager of the Macedonian national team.
The board members of the Macedonian federation came to that decision at today’s meeting in the city of Veles. FFM President Ilcho Gjorgjioski was in charge of selecting the finalists, and then the board members casted their votes to pick the new manager.
Ljubinko Drulović, a 46-year-old coach from Serbia, received the most support from the board members, thus becoming the new manager. Drulović is best known for leading Serbia U19 to the title of the 2013 UEFA U19 championship. They beat France 1:0 in the final to claim the prestigious trophy.
@MacedonianFooty he’s a lot better than bunker master Rajevac. Good coach, all players love him and he likes playing attacking football
— Serbian Football (@SerbianFooty) April 21, 2015
After that achievement, Drulović briefly served as an interim coach for the senior national team of Serbia. He led the team for four games (coming in the period from March to June in 2014), compiling two wins, one draw and one loss. However, he was not kept for that position permanently. Instead, the Serbian federation decided to go with Dutch manager Dick Advocaat, who also only lasted four games before being replaced.
@MacedonianFooty Sure 🙂 His U19 Euro Champions Serbia was a very competitive team, pragmatic and well organized in all their lines.
— Juanpe (@Juanpe91Srb) April 23, 2015
Drulović spent all of his playing career in two countries, Portugal and Serbia. His longest club stint came with Portuguese giants Porto.
@MacedonianFooty @SerbianFooty Drulović would be a terrific signing by the Macedonian FA if true. One of Europe’s most prosperous coaches.
— Balkanfabrikken (@RunarNordvik) April 21, 2015
Speaking to some of our Serbian friends on Twitter, they had good things to say about Drulović. Some of the above twitter conversations took place several days ago since it was known that Drulović was one of the finalists.
Ljubinko will be promoted to the press next Tuesday, on April 28. He signed a contract for 2-and-a-half years, meaning until the end of the 2018 World Cup qualifications.