CARDIFF 26 March 2026 (The Capital Post)- Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team manager Sergej Barbarez has stood by his remarks and declined to apologise to Danish club Brondby’s manager Steve Cooper over comments linking his omission of midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic to an upcoming World Cup playoff against Wales.
Barbarez made the remarks during a press briefing in Cardiff ahead of Thursday’s UEFA World Cup playoff semi‑final, after suggesting Cooper had sidelined Tahirovic to aid Wales’ preparations.
Brondby officials swiftly rebutted the implication, asserting that Tahirovic’s absence from recent matchday squads was a collective decision by the club’s coaching staff and unrelated to any international fixture.
Reports earlier this week indicated Tahirovic had reached out to Cooper to express regret over the situation, and Brondby’s sporting director sought to clarify the club’s position with Barbarez.
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Despite those developments, Barbarez told reporters he saw no need to retract his statements, saying his intention was to protect his player and provoke thought among observers.
He urged attention to remain on the match itself, emphasising his belief in Tahirovic’s qualities and the importance of focusing on Bosnia’s bid to reach the World Cup finals for only the second time in the nation’s history. -The Capital Post
