"I went through so much trauma because of Partizan!" Karaičić opens up about the black-and-whites: "When even Željko couldn't make it work..."

Pulse Sports Team 10:03 - 02 August 2026

Bogdan Karaičić once served as Željko Obradović's right-hand man at Partizan before deciding to forge his own path. Now, in an interview, he reminisces about his time with Partizan, among other topics.

Bogdan Karaičić boasts an impressive coaching resume, including a stint as an assistant coach to the legendary Željko Obradović at Partizan.

He even lifted the Serbian Superleague trophy with the "Steamroller" before venturing out on his own, first with Aris and then with Balkan Botevgrad.

In a recent interview with Mozzart Sport, he reflected on his time with the black-and-whites.

"My time with Partizan, how can I put it... I honestly went through so much trauma because of Partizan, just like the fans did last season, and I don't want to rub salt in the wound. I can say that I am primarily a Partizan fan now, but I'm sad it didn't last. However, how could it have lasted when even Željko couldn't make it work with them? With me, it would have been utterly hopeless." - Bogdan Karaičić

He also touched upon the current situation with Spanish coaches Ibon Navarro and Joan Peñarroya leading the Eternal Rivals.

"Well, I wouldn't want to say too much about that; they are colleagues, and I don't think it would be fair. I would never allow myself to speak ill of the clubs' decisions to go in that direction. They know best why they did it and what they hope to achieve with them. I just believe there were coaches from this region who could have met the demands and taken the helm at Partizan or Zvezda. However, they opted for this move, and I certainly think these are talented and good professionals. How they will adapt to the situation in Serbia, only God knows. Honestly, it might be slightly easier for them than for any local coach, and perhaps that's also part of the bigger picture." - Bogdan Karaičić