Red Star Belgrade has appointed Albert Riera as head coach following their exit from the Champions League, with the Spanish tactician set to sign a two-year contract after a brief stint at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Red Star Belgrade’s search for a new manager accelerated after their unexpected elimination from the Champions League, with Spanish coach Albert Riera finalizing a two-year contract to take charge. The 44-year-old, who previously led Slovenia’s Celje and France’s Bordeaux, replaces Dejan Stankovič, whose resignation followed a 2-0 aggregate defeat to Hapoel Beer Sheva in the third qualifying round. Riera, currently unaffiliated, had been linked to the role since last autumn and will officially be introduced soon, according to Eurofotbal. The deal was finalized with his agent Andy Bara from Niagara agency, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano via Twitter, with Riera set to sign the contract on Friday.
Riera’s Track Record and Challenges
Riera’s coaching career includes a Slovenian league title with Olimpija Ljubljana and a successful spell at Bordeaux. Eurofotbal noted that Riera’s previous encounter with Czech teams, including a win over Sigma Olomouc, positions him as a familiar figure in the region. According to sources, Riera’s Celje team eliminated Baník 1-0 and 2-0 in August during the Conference League play-offs, though they later lost 1-2 to Sigma Olomouc in the league phase.
Champions League Exit and League Implications
The club’s Champions League elimination came after a 1-0 home loss to Hapoel Beer Sheva, with Stankovič receiving a red card for dissent. According to Serbian media, including Mozzart Sport, both parties had finalized all details, and Riera’s official introduction is imminent.
The Europa Conference League tie against plzeňské Viktorii will be a critical test.
In the decisive second leg, Hapoel’s Zlatanovič scored in the 61st minute to double the lead, while Stankovič was sent off for protesting a decision.
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