Partizan manager Saša Ilić remains secure in his position despite a disastrous run of six defeats in the opening 11 matches of the Mozzart Bet Superliga Srbije, club president Rasim Ljajić confirmed.
Rasim Ljajić Rejects Managerial Change
Pressure has mounted steadily in Humska following a difficult start to the domestic campaign, culminating in a 1-0 defeat against Železničar in Pančevo. That result left the black-and-whites stranded in tenth place on the table. Despite reactions from supporters on social media demanding a change, club leadership has drawn a hard line against dismissing the team’s coach.
Rasim Ljajić said that We are not thinking about replacing Saša Ilić. We asked him to stay even when he wanted to leave,
according to Sportinjo.
Management revealed that Ilić had previously attempted to step down from his post during earlier struggles, but officials persuaded him to stay on to guide the squad through its ongoing turbulent period. Leadership credits the manager with shielding the boardroom from fan hostility.
Inside Ilić’s Previous Resignation Attempts
The current crisis follows a revelation from Ilić himself on the eve of the Železničar fixture, where he disclosed that he had formally submitted his resignation twice already. The first offer came between European matches against Hetafe after a 3-1 league loss to Mladost Lučani. The second occurred a month later during a match against Radnik Surdulica, when Partizan trailed 3-1 at halftime following a red card issued to Milan Vukotić.
On that occasion in the dressing room, Ilić announced to the players that he was leaving his post immediately. However, several squad members, sporting director Radosav Petrović, club executives, and supporters intervened to convince him to finish the match before the team rallied to secure a 4-4 draw. Ilić later explained that his primary motivation for staying was to restore a basic code of conduct where no single individual—player, coach, or administrator—is bigger than the institution itself.
Boardroom Assessment and Refereeing Grievances
While Ljajić acknowledged the gravity of the team’s position, he insisted that the Pančevo loss offered genuine reasons for optimism.
Rasim Ljajić noted that “This is a crisis, a serious crisis. Yesterday, for the first time, elements appeared in our play that hinted we can get out of this crisis, even though we lost. The team has potential, and we must overcome the crisis. No matter how difficult it may be,” according to Sportinjo.
Frustration in Humska extends beyond the pitch and into the refereeing ranks. The club released an official statement criticizing referee Stefan Jeknić for several disputed decisions during the Železničar encounter. Ljajić questioned the broader direction of officiating reforms, noting that the anticipated benefits of bringing in foreign referees had stalled after initial promising signs last term under Domenico Messina.
Winter Roster Overhaul and Short-Term Targets
With the team nine points away from European qualification, club leadership has established a clear immediate objective. The short-term goal focuses on stringing together a winning run before the winter break to salvage a respectable league standing. Beyond immediate tactical adjustments, management is already preparing for squad changes when the transfer window opens in January.
There will be departures in January, we have interest
, Ljajić stated regarding impending departures as the club looks toward a comprehensive squad reshuffle to correct its course.