Serbia Goalkeeping Coach Reflects on Spain Friendly and Coaching Role Jesus Salvador, Spain’s goalkeeping coach, shared insights ahead of a friendly match against Serbia, discussing the unexpected change in opponents, his transition to working with the Serbian national team, and the dynamics of coaching at the international level. The match, originally scheduled for the Qatar Football Festival, was altered due to logistical challenges stemming from the ongoing conflict in the region. Salvador emphasized the significance of facing Spain, noting that the rivalry and tactical preparation would be crucial for Serbia’s performance. The friendly, set to take place at La Ceramica, marked a shift in plans. Originally, Serbia was set to face Saudi Arabia in Doha, but the event was canceled. Salvador explained that the change presented an opportunity to compete against a top-tier team, despite the last-minute adjustments. He highlighted the importance of approaching the match with intensity, stressing that it should not be treated as a casual encounter but as a chance to test the squad’s readiness. Salvador’s journey to Serbia began after his tenure at Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, where he worked under Laurent Blanc. Despite the club’s success in winning the league and cup, the team’s early exit from the season led to his departure. During his time in Jeddah, he connected with Veljko Paunovic, the Serbian coach, who was assembling his new staff. Paunovic’s interest in Salvador’s expertise led to his recruitment, marking a new chapter in his coaching career. Working with the Serbian national team involves a unique approach compared to club settings. Salvador described the focus on recovery, tactical preparation, and maintaining players’ technical and tactical sharpness without overloading them physically.#veljko_paunovic #jesus_salvador #laurent_blanc #djakarta #la_ceramica
Spain vs Serbia: Predictions, Stats, Tips & Odds Spain will begin their 2026 World Cup preparations with a friendly against Serbia in Villarreal on Friday. The match, scheduled for 8:00pm, will serve as a testing ground for Luis de la Fuente’s squad ahead of their campaign. Spain, who topped their World Cup qualifying group with 16 points from six games, are expected to field a strong lineup, though rotations may occur in the friendly. Key players like Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Mikel Oyarzabal are likely to feature, while Rodri and Pedri will anchor the midfield. Unai Simon is set to start in goal, with Marcos Llorente and Dean Huijsen possibly playing right back. Notable absentees include Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Gavi, and Alvaro Morata. Serbia, meanwhile, will miss out on the 2026 World Cup after finishing third in their qualifying group with 13 points from eight matches. Veljko Paunovic’s team, which lost 3-0 to Spain in their most recent meeting, will focus on the UEFA Nations League starting in September. Ahead of that, they face friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mexico. Serbia’s squad includes experienced players like Aleksandar Mitrovic, Luka Jovic, and Nemanja Gudelj, with Nikola Milenkovic of Nottingham Forest also expected to start. The match is expected to be a low-scoring affair, but Spain are favored to dominate. Predictions suggest a 3-0 victory for Spain, with odds of 11/1, while a Spain win to nil is also highlighted at 11/10. Serbia’s inability to score against Spain in all three previous encounters is cited as a key factor. Spain’s strong defensive record in World Cup qualifiers, including five clean sheets in six games, further supports the confidence in their performance.#spain #luis_de_la_fuente #unai_simon #serbia #veljko_paunovic
