Montenegro’s head coach shares his optimism about World Cup qualification and reflects on his legendary playing career.
- Exclusive interview with Robert Prosinecki
- Montenegro aims for its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance
- Insights into his coaching philosophy and football journey
Robert Prosinecki’s exceptional skill, technical finesse, and sheer determination made him a standout on football’s biggest stages. Having played in three FIFA World Cup tournaments, donned the jerseys of Real Madrid and Barcelona, and lifted the European Cup with Red Star Belgrade, his career is nothing short of illustrious.
Now at the helm of Montenegro’s national team since February 2024, the former Croatian international seeks to channel his vast experience into his coaching role. Speaking with FIFA, the 54-year-old shared his motivation: “Football has given me so much, and now I want to give back. It’s incredibly fulfilling to teach players and see them grow. Having played for the best clubs under top coaches, I’ve absorbed valuable knowledge, and passing that on is rewarding.”
He adds, “Seeing players believe in your methods is gratifying. Even if results don’t always go our way, knowing they trust my work is special. Of course, nothing compares to winning—it’s a fantastic feeling.”
That sentiment was evident when Montenegro secured a stunning 3-1 victory over Turkey in their last match, ending a seven-game winless streak and boosting morale ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
“We performed exceptionally well,” says Prosinecki. “Turkey is a young squad with immense potential, among Europe’s top ten teams in my opinion. That win was crucial for our confidence.”
Chasing a Historic Qualification
Montenegro’s World Cup journey begins in March with home games against Gibraltar and the Faroe Islands. Their group also includes Czechia and the loser of the Croatia vs. France Nations League quarter-final. “Naturally, Croatia or France will be favorites,” admits Prosinecki.
“Personally, I’ve always been an optimist,” he continues. “Montenegrins are resilient—we never give up. The nation has never qualified for a major tournament, and achieving that would be a dream come true. I genuinely believe we can do it.”
For a country with just over 600,000 people, qualification would be monumental. Iceland remains the only nation with a smaller population to have ever competed at a World Cup.
A Legacy of Defying Odds
Prosinecki knows a thing or two about making history. As part of Croatia’s 1998 squad, he played a key role in their debut World Cup campaign, scoring in their first-ever match (a 3-1 win over Jamaica) and netting again in the third-place playoff against the Netherlands.
“Our strength was the team culture,” he recalls. “We had immense pride in playing for our country. Croatia had just gained independence, and we were fiercely motivated. With talents like Boban, Suker, and Jarni, we gave everything and achieved something extraordinary. That bond with the national team persists to this day.”
He praises the current Croatian generation, led by Luka Modric, for surpassing expectations. “Finishing second in 2018 and third in 2022 is astonishing for a nation of just 3.5 million. It’s comparable to Brazil winning the World Cup.”
Now, Prosinecki aims to carve out a new chapter of success with Montenegro. Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, he says, would be among his proudest achievements.
“It would be the pinnacle of my coaching career,” he states. “I’ve had great victories, but leading Montenegro to a World Cup would surpass them all.”
FIFA: Montenegro is favored to win its first two qualifiers against Gibraltar and the Faroe Islands. What’s your approach to these matches?
Robert Prosinecki: We respect all opponents, but our goal is nothing less than victory in both games. We cannot afford complacency. Our players must stay fully focused to secure the results we need. A strong start will set the right tone for our crucial match against Czechia in June.
Facing Croatia: A Special Challenge
If Montenegro faces Croatia, emotions will undoubtedly run high for Prosinecki.
“It won’t be an ordinary match for me,” he admits. “Of course, I’m Croatian and still live there, but in this situation, my focus is purely on winning for Montenegro. I’m familiar with this Croatian squad, as many of them came through when I was Slaven Bilic’s assistant from 2006 to 2010. I know their capabilities.”
Luka Modric: A Timeless Talent
At 39, Modric continues to be a vital cog in Real Madrid’s midfield, something Prosinecki finds remarkable. “He’s not just part of the squad; he’s still essential to the team. His hunger to contribute is incredible. He’s achieved everything a footballer could dream of.”
Montenegro’s Key Man: Stevan Jovetic
“Jovetic is one of Montenegro’s all-time greats,” Prosinecki asserts. “He lifts the entire team. When he’s on the pitch, the players perform at a higher level. His leadership is invaluable, and I hope he stays injury-free to guide us through these qualifiers.”
Football’s Current Stars
Prosinecki admires the new generation of footballing icons. “Everyone watches players like Mbappe, Vini Jr, Salah, and Haaland. They’re game-changers. Then there are players like Bellingham and Rodri—less flashy but equally decisive. Their unique qualities are what make football so fascinating.”
The Influence of Great Coaches
Having played under legendary managers, Prosinecki values the impact of coaching. “I’ve learned from many, but Johan Cruyff stands out. He revolutionized football with tiki-taka. It was an honor to play under him.”
The Road to the World Cup: A Belief in Success
Despite Montenegro’s past near-misses, Prosinecki is confident this campaign can be different. “We have experienced players and promising young talent. If everyone—players, fans, the federation, and the media—comes together, we can achieve something special. Historically, we’ve been just a point or a goal away. Hopefully, this time, luck will be on our side.”
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