Barbarez Hopes to See Dzeko Again Before Bosnia’s Poland Test
Bosnia and Herzegovina coach Sergej Barbarez expects Edin Dzeko to leave for Germany as the national team prepares for its Nations League meeting with Poland, bringing an emotional end to the striker’s latest spell with the squad.
Barbarez said he would welcome the opportunity to see Dzeko once more before his departure, while making clear that he does not view the occasion as a final separation. The Bosnia captain has been the side’s defining attacking figure for years, and his absence leaves a considerable gap as Barbarez looks to shape the next phase of the team.
“He should be travelling to Germany today,” Barbarez said. “I would be happy if he came by so that I could see him again. I do not really like farewells, in football or in private life. We will meet many more times, as we always have. What matters is that we stay friends and remain good, dignified people who support one another.”
Although Dzeko is no longer available, Barbarez said the rest of his 25-player group is fit and in contention after the draw against Sweden. There is some fatigue within the camp, particularly among players who have completed three matches in a short period, but Bosnia have more than a day to recover before the Poland fixture. The coach also left open the prospect of changes in goal should players meet the required fitness level in training.
“Apart from Edin, everybody is here and ready,” Barbarez said. “There is tiredness, but we have over 24 hours left. Some have played three matches, but that is what the highest level demands if they want to be part of it.”
Barbarez also explained why Samed Bazdar has not featured in Bosnia’s previous three matches. The forward was injured for the opening two games and managed only one training session before the second fixture. When Dzeko returned to the group ahead of the Sweden match, the squad places were already full, leaving Bazdar out. Barbarez hopes the player can make a strong impression in training, although two members of the travelling group will still have to watch from the stands.
Poland arrive without Robert Lewandowski, but Barbarez believes the absence of the Barcelona forward should not alter Bosnia’s approach. He compared Lewandowski’s importance to Poland with Dzeko’s standing in Bosnia, noting that both are players who command respect from opponents and draw supporters to matches. Yet he also stressed that Poland retain substantial quality beyond their captain, pointing to the depth shown by Sweden when they made five or six changes without a noticeable drop in standard.
“It is a similar feeling with Robert to the one we have with Edin,” Barbarez said. “Robert will keep playing, but when he is missing, you feel it. These are the personalities people come to watch and every opponent respects. Still, Poland have quality throughout the group, just as Sweden showed when they changed several players.”
