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Miljan MiljanicYugoslav football coach and official.
Date of Birth: 04.05.1930
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Content:
- Early Life and Coaching Career
- Red Star Belgrade and the 1974 World Cup
- Real Madrid and the 1982 World Cup
- Later Career
- Awards and Honors:
Early Life and Coaching Career
Milan Miljanić was born on May 4, 1930, in Bitola, which was later renamed to Bitola, to Serbian parents from the Banjani clan in Nikšić, Montenegro. Miljanić began his coaching career with the Yugoslav national team in 1965 as part of a four-man group, which was later reduced to three including Miljanić in 1966.
Red Star Belgrade and the 1974 World Cup
In 1966, Miljanić took over as manager of Yugoslav football powerhouse Red Star Belgrade. During his tenure, he led the club to four Yugoslav league titles, three Yugoslav cups, and the Mitropa Cup in 1968.
While still at Red Star Belgrade, Miljanić was reappointed as manager of the Yugoslav national team in 1973 to prepare it for the 1974 World Cup. However, the team's performance at the tournament was disappointing, with three losses in three matches.
Real Madrid and the 1982 World Cup
After the World Cup, Miljanić left Red Star Belgrade and moved to Spain to become manager of Real Madrid. In his first season, he won the league and cup double, followed by a second league title in the next season. However, the 1976-1977 season was a failure for Real Madrid, which finished only 9th. Miljanić was dismissed before the end of the season.
In 1979, Miljanić returned as manager of the Yugoslav national team, which he successfully guided to the 1982 World Cup. Though the team finished third in its group and earned only one point in a draw against Northern Ireland, Miljanić's legacy as a manager remained strong.
Later Career
After the World Cup, Miljanić briefly managed Valencia in Spain before returning to Yugoslavia. In 1993, he became president of the Football Association of Yugoslavia, a position he held until 2001. Miljanić remained an honorary member of the Football Federation of Serbia until his death on January 13, 2012, in Belgrade.
Awards and Honors:
Yugoslav League Champion: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1973Yugoslav Cup Winner: 1968, 1970, 1971
Mitropa Cup Winner: 1968
Spanish League Champion: 1975, 1976
Spanish Cup Winner: 1975
Order for Merits in Football for Former Yugoslavia: December 13, 2005
