Today’s morning practice was planned by Krunoslav Jurčić, but he is now without a job following a decision made last night by the club’s Director of football Zlatko Zahovič. Zahovič and the club are now not hiding their decision to place Darko Milanič at the helm of NK Maribor. Before officially signing the contract and confirming his return to Maribor’s bench, Milanič still has to cancel his lucrative contract with Leeds.

Jurčić’s system of work is what disturbed Maribor’s management
An official club confirmation on Milanič’s return to the Ljudski Vrt Stadium as coach of NK Maribor is expected later today, however without a presentation for the media. The club management decided to go ahead with the radical measure of firing coach Jurčič on Monday evening. Saturday’s defeat against Celje (0:1) was not the only reason for the move. Under Jurčić Maribor changed its system of play to a 4-3-3 formation, improving its goal efficiency. However Simon Šparavec reports for TV Slovenija that director Zahovič and the rest of the management at the Mladinska 29 address did not agree that the formation in question was suitable for playing in European competitions.

Before officially being named head coach Milanič first has to settle matters with the headstrong owner of Leeds Massimo Cellino. After a successful period in charge of Sturm Graz, Milanič moved to English club Leeds but survived for only 32 days. However despite being sacked, under the existing contract Milanič is to continue receiving his coaching salary from Leeds until June.

To. G.; translated by K. J.