Stojkovic: No doubt I will take Serbia to EURO, we are going to Budapest to win

STARA PAZOVA - The head coach of the Serbia men's national football team Dragan Pixie Stojkovic said on Monday there was no doubt he would take Serbia to the EURO 2024 and noted that his team was going to Budapest to win a crucial qualifying game against Hungary.

Serbia play Hungary in Budapest on October 14 and host Montenegro in Belgrade three days later.

After last month's home defeat to Hungary before empty stands, Saturday's game against current qualifying Group G leaders is an opportunity for Stojkovic's men to bounce back and secure what could be the key win for EURO 2024 qualification.

"The Hungary and Montenegro games are of great importance, but let's not forget about Bulgaria. We are going all the way, to show that we belong in the EURO. Everything is up to us and we decide about our own fate. There are still nine points to play for, and mathematics is an exact science, and I will tell you I thought we would have a few points more than we do. I do not expect anyone to play for us - I expect us to play for ourselves," Stojkovic said at a press conference in Stara Pazova near Belgrade.

He said striker Dusan Vlahovic would skip the upcoming two qualifying games due to lower back pain and noted that Mihailo Ristic was back in the fold after establishing himself at his new club, Celta Vigo.

Stojkovic said he was glad about that as Ristic was able to play in several positions and added that the same was the case with another returnee, Mijat Gacinovic.

He said the omission of Darko Lazovic was the decision at this time.

"Now is the time when we simply must do it, I know we can do better." he said.

"The guys who get the chance must be jet-powered, I am not interested in diesel at this time," Stojkovic said jokingly, revealing that he was considering a change of formation, but refused to say whether that would happen.