An eventful year in the career of Chicago Fire head coach Veljko Paunovic added another memorable moment Monday when the Football Association of Serbia honored Paunovic as his country’s 2015 Coach of the Year.
Paunovic, who in June coached the Serbian U-20 National Team to that age group’s FIFA World Cup championship, received his award Monday at a ceremony in Belgrade, Serbia.
Three years into his tenure leading the Serbian U-20 side, Paunovic mentored a squad at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup that was lauded for its resiliency and spirit, finishing atop Group D despite an opening-game defeat. From there, the team navigated a knockout phase with four matches that reached extra time, eventually outlasting Brazil in the final, 2-1, to earn Serbia its first world title at any level as an independent nation.
"Today was a special day and I'm very proud and grateful to the Serbian Federation for this honor," Paunovic said. "Now I am excited to work toward creating another championship program with the Chicago Fire and to help players achieve success on the field and in life."
Members of Paunovic’s World Cup-winning side also were on hand Monday to be formally honored by the Serbian FA. Additionally, Serbian National Team and Chelsea FC defender Nemanja Matic (pictured at top with Paunovic) was named the country’s 2015 Player of the Year.
"This award is an apt recognition for the outstanding job done by Pauno in helping build a Serbian team over three years that eventually won the FIFA U-20 World Cup,” said Nelson Rodríguez, Chicago Fire general manager. “One need only look at where the roster of his players has ended up to also see his ability to develop players. We are proud of Pauno."
Hired as Chicago Fire head coach on Nov. 24, Paunovic begins his first training camp at the helm for the Men In Red on Monday, Jan. 25.
Click here to read more about Paunovic and his soccer upbringing, and watch the video below for highlights of Serbia's victory over Brazil in the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup final.
