Dejan Radonjic is the new coach of the Bayern Munich basketball team. The 48-year-old from Montenegro signed a contract with the BBL leader until the end of the season, which includes the option of working together for another season. He will make his debut next Wednesday.
On Sunday noon Radonjic met the coaching staff around interim coach Emir Mutapcic for the first time. On Monday morning he was already leading the first training session.
On Friday, the club unexpectedly parted ways with successful coach Sasa Djordjevic, who won the first cup win in 50 years with the Bavarians in February.
“I’m dying to work for Bayern Munich from now on,” said Radonjic. “Certainly there have been some options in the past few months, but with such a challenge I didn’t have to think long about it all happened very quickly.
The last weakening defensive defeats had left Bavaria, who were spoiled for success this season, four in a row. That’s where Radonjic wants to start. “There’s plenty of time before the playoffs,” he said. “Until then, we will do everything we can to defend first place. And the goal is clearly to win the championship.”
Managing Director Marko Pesic called the talks with Radonjic “uncomplicated” in the run-up to the signing and described the former Yugoslavian international as the “ideal solution”.
“Dejan Radonjic is a highly esteemed trainer who has gained experience at the highest EuroLeague level,” said Bavaria’s Sports Director Daniele Baiesi. “He has won many titles and had long-lasting success in Belgrade in an ambitious programme that he took to the next level.
6 x Champion in Montenegro (2007 to 2012)
6 x Cup Winner in Montenegro (2007 to 2012)
3 x Champion Serbia (2015 to 2017)
3 x Cup Winners in Serbia (2014, 2015, 2017)
3 x winner of the Adriatic League ABA (2015 to 2017)