Kolarov To Captain Serbia Against Nigeria, Matic Deputy

The head coach of Serbia national team, Mladen Krstajic on Tuesday confirmed that AS Roma left back Alexander Kolarov will captain the side in next week's international friendly at the Hive Stadium in London.

The former Manchester City defender the coach disclosed will be assisted by Manchester United's midfielder Nemanja Matic.

Serbia will play north African opposition Morocco at the Olimpico Stadium in Turin on Friday, same day Nigeria are playing Poland, before facing the Super Eagles in London next Tuesday.

According to Serbian website, kurir.rs, former team captain Branislav Ivanovic who plays for Lokomotiv Moscow, may not make the Serbian squad for the World Cup in Russia.

“The captain of the national team will be Kolarov, and his deputy Matic.That’s my idea. I talked to former captain Ivanovic,” Krstajic is quoted by kurir.rs.

“He gave a lot to the national team and he remains with us. I spoke with Branislav openly, and these are some things that are solved internally," the coach said about the former Chelsea defender.

Speaking ahead of the game against Nigeria, Krstajic revealed that he will not alter his formation against Gernot Rohr's team but will bring in some new players.

“I do not hide the game system, but it will not change in relation to the previous one. Only some players will change.

“The most important thing is to make a good atmosphere, every match is important for us, because Serbia expects the best of us. We live in a country that is hungry for success.”

Izuchukwu  Okosi

Photo Credit : fss.rs