Serbia instead of DFB
Flick digs in vain for U21 talent
3/21/2023 5:04 p.m
Lazar Samardzic plays for the U21s of the DFB, whose coach is planning with him for the European Championships in the summer. But the former player from Hertha and Leipzig has other plans: he wants to play the adult European Championship – with Serbia. Not even Hansi Flick can change his mind.
Soccer professional Lazar Samardzic has decided against a possible future in the German national team and is now playing for Serbia. National coach Hansi Flick couldn’t change anything about that. “Hansi Flick tried very hard for me and in turn showed me a way with the senior national team, which made me very happy. Of course it’s an honor when the German national coach calls you,” said the 21-year-old midfielder from Udinese Calcio in conversation with Sport1. “Nevertheless, at that point I was already certain that I wanted to play for my parents’ home country.”
Samardzic, who was born in Berlin and has dual citizenship, had played for the German U21s under coach Antonio di Salvo last November, who had also scheduled him for the U21 European Championships in the summer. “Of course, such a decision is not made overnight, it takes time,” said Samardzic.
Samardzic wants to play at EM 2024
The sporting perspective was also decisive. He recently had “several conversations” with the Serbian national coach Dragan Stojkovic. “Dragan Stojkovic gave me the feeling very quickly that I could play an important role right away,” said Samardzic. “I’m incredibly proud to be able to take part. My big dream is the EM 2024. It’s an honor that I can help to achieve this goal right away.” He was invited for the internationals against Lithuania (March 24) and Montenegro (March 27).
Samardzic played for Hertha BSC in his hometown when he was young and made his Bundesliga debut at the age of 18. In 2020 he moved to RB Leipzig, just a year later he went to Italy. “I’m 21 now, I’ve played consistently at a high level for a few years and I’m now ready to step on the gas in the national team,” explained Samardzic.