Under fire from his employers, CR Belouizdad coach Sead Ramovic has explained his recent trip to Real Madrid. The former TS Galaxy coach faced criticism for travelling to Spain to attend a UEFA Champions League match between Madrid and French side Marseille.
Just three days before the trip, Belouizdad suffered a 2-1 loss to JS Saoura. On Saturday, 15th placed El Bayadh came from behind to snatch a draw in their clash against Ramovic’s charges. It took an 84th-minute strike for the struggling Bayadh to pick up their second point after five outings.
The result means the German-Serbian, who joined the Algerian giants last season after abruptly leaving Young Africans, has picked five points out of a possible 12. After four games played, Ramovic, whose contract with Belouizdad was recently extended until June 2028, the club is in 12th place.
Indications are that the club has been dissatisfied with his performance and views his trip to Madrid as damaging to the club’s reputation.
WHAT RAMOVIC SAID ABOUT THE REAL MADRID TRIP
“My love for this club from the very first day will always stay,” he wrote on his Instagram account a few days ago. “I know that after our first three games – one win, one draw, one loss – many of you are frustrated, and some feel I don’t respect the fans because I went to Madrid. I hear you and I understand your passion – it’s what makes CRB so special.
“Going to Madrid four days before our match was not for leisure or to disrespect our supporters. I value the tactical intelligence and style of play of coaches like Xabi Alonso and De Zerbi. I believe in the same style of play and wanted to see where I can improve as a coach, so I can bring new ideas, energy, and strength back to my team.
“And I work every day to improve as a coach and to bring CRB back where it belongs – at the top. As a coach, take full responsibility for everything, on and off the pitch. Today I’m back in training with full focus to prepare our team for Saturday’s match. Today’s session was professionally led by my assistant, so nothing was missed.
“I understand your expectations – your team and your colours are my absolute priority. The last games taught us lessons, and I am working harder than ever to make sure we respond in the right way. Together, we fight for CRB, together we rise!”
RAMOVIC’S COACHING CAREER CONTINUES TO SOAR
The 46-year-old’s coaching career has been on an incessant rise since his switch to Betway Premiership club TS Galaxy from Novi Pazar in October 2021.
He made his name at the Rockets after leading them to a top-eight finish for the first time and reaching the Carling Knockout Cup final. After moving to Algeria, they helped the team finish third despite a poor start to the season.
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