Handball coach Dragan Djukic insisted Thursday he will see the British national team through the Olympics after it emerged that he had applied for the vacant Russia coaching job just five months before the London Games.
Djukic’s name appeared on a list of applicants published by the Russian Handball Union, whose spokesman told RIA Novosti the organization wanted the post filled “at once”.
“I have never left any team before the job is finished. I have been with the British team for four years and I’m staying here, there is no question,” Djukic said in a statement to RIA Novosti issued by British Handball.
“I have had calls from all over the world about next season, but I am focused on the final preparations for the Olympics.”
The former Switzerland coach is considering a contract extension to work towards the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, he said.
“If British Handball continues the project, the next stage is preparing for Rio in 2016, and if there is an opportunity to continue I may stay to finish the job.”
Djukic’s agent had submitted his application to the Russian Handball Union and he remains under contract until the end of the London Olympics, British Handball said.
Serbian coach Djukic, 50, was hired by British Handball in June 2009 with a mandate to prepare the men’s squad for their first Olympic appearance, in 2012.
Russia, Olympic champion in 2000, has been without a coach since Vladimir Maksimov left last month following a dismal showing at the European Championships that meant Russia would miss the Olympics for the first time.
