Nenad Lalatović (foto: Posnetek zaslona)
Radnički coach Mladen Žižović tragically died after collapsing during a match, with his close friend Nenad Lalatović describing the heartbreaking final moments.
The sudden death of Mladen Žižović, coach of Radnički Kragujevac, has left Serbian football in deep mourning. The 44-year-old collapsed during his team’s league match in Lučani and could not be revived despite the quick arrival of medical staff.
Among those present was Nenad Lalatović, Žižović’s close friend and fellow coach, who was sitting beside him at the time of the incident.
‘Everything was normal, then it happened’
In a deeply emotional interview with Serbian media, Lalatović recounted the devastating moments leading up to his friend’s passing.
“We were sitting and talking, everything was normal. Then he suddenly stopped, sat down, and I heard something like a crack. He started making strange sounds, as if he was choking,” said Lalatović.
“I was right next to him. I grabbed him immediately and tried to help, but he quickly lost consciousness. I called the ambulance — they arrived within minutes — but they couldn’t save him. It was horrible. I still can’t believe it.”
‘He looked perfectly fine’
According to Lalatović, Žižović had previously dealt with minor heart issues but showed no signs of distress before the tragedy.
“He looked completely fine and felt great. He didn’t complain about anything. We were even planning new projects together. Everything seemed normal until that moment,” he added.
Recalling the final minutes, Lalatović said the two had been joking and talking about football when everything suddenly changed. “When he began to feel unwell, I was right there. I tried calling his name, but he didn’t respond. The medics did everything they could, but it was too late. I still can’t believe how life can turn upside down in a second.”
The Serbian coach ended with a heartfelt farewell: “Mladen was an exceptional man, a friend, and a professional. The football world has lost a great human being.”