Paunovic: Milinkovic-Savic brothers' return big thing, I am not ready to call up Tadic

STARA PAZOVA - The head coach of the Serbia men's national football team Veljko Paunovic said on Monday a return of brothers Sergej and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic to the fold was a "big thing" for Serbian football and that he had had a discussion with former captain Dusan Tadic but that he was not ready to call him up at this time.

"For me personally and professionally, the return of the Milinkovic-Savic brothers is an exceptional event and it is my pleasure to be able to work with the two of them again, with two exceptional lads, personalities and a player and a goalkeeper who are super-talented. Their return represents big gains for Serbian football. It is a big thing for our team spirit, since both players are very important characters in the dressing room," Paunovic told a press conference at the Football Association of Serbia Sports Centre in Stara Pazova ahead of friendly matches against Spain and Saudi Arabia.

He said the Milinkovic-Savic brothers would be a great addition to the Serbia team.

"They are well-received and loved by team mates - this way, we have a stronger team and a stronger national team," Paunovic said.

He added that he had had a conversation with Tadic about his return to the team, but noted that they had not spoken again since and that he was not ready to call up Tadic at this time.

"I had a conversation with Tadic in November. After that, I had an exchange through his agent - I have not spoken with Tadic again. Personally, I am not ready to hold a conversation with Tadic at this time - at least, I have not been until now. We have not budged from the previous point. Is there a possibility of us speaking in the future? I am available for everything, but specifically when it comes to a call-up, I was not ready and I have not renewed those discussions," Paunovic said.