Fuente: © UEFA (English)
http://www.uefa.com/

FOOTBALL EUROPE: Slovenia looking for a leader

/noticias.info/ by Martin Pavčnik
from Ljubljana

With the Football Association of Slovenia searching for a new national team coach, interest in the title race has taken a back seat during the winter break.

Milanič snag
After association president Rudolf Zavrl announced that Branko Oblak was no longer in charge of the Slovenia team, speculation has been running high about his likely successor. Former national team captain Darko Milanič, now assistant coach at SK Sturm Graz, was said to be a front-runner but negotiations hit a snag over his plans to appoint Zlatko Zahovič as sporting director. With the post still vacant, rumours abound that a foreign coach may be appointed for the first time, though other homegrown candidates are still said to be in the frame.

Club changes
On the domestic front, coaching changes have also been made with three clubs deciding to put new men in charge. Vojislav Simeunović will still work in Ljubljana to try and help last-placed NK Factor to stay in the league, but he will be replaced as head coach by Croatian Dragan Skočić. The club are also looking to bring former international Amir Karič onto the playing staff. FC Koper and NK Publikum will also be led by new men in 2007 following the departures of Boruc Jarc and Jani Žilnik respectively, but their replacements are not yet known.

Dominant Domžale
Unbeaten NK Domžale took a 14-point lead over NK Maribor and NK Primorje going into the winter break. The priority is to keep the bulk of the side together in the January transfer window as Domžale push for the title, though some players may yet find their future lies overseas. One player who will not be moving is Branko Ilič, who is staying with Domžale despite negotiations with English Premiership side Bolton Wanderers FC. notas_de_prensa_archivo