Serbia’s Goalkeeping Coach Discusses Spain Match and Collaborating with Joan Garcia

Jesús Salvador has built a wide-ranging coaching career. He now serves as the goalkeeping coach for the Serbian national team.

Preparing for Spain

Serbia will face Spain in a friendly that was arranged late. The original plan was to play Saudi Arabia in Doha, but that event was cancelled.

Salvador met Miguel Angel Espana at UEFA goalkeeper courses in Madrid. That meeting helped accelerate arrangements for the friendly at La Cerámica.

In a conversation with Filmogaz.com, Serbia’s goalkeeping coach discusses Spain match planning. He stressed the need for full commitment despite the game being a friendly.

Match approach and analysis

The staff expects a highly technical opponent. Spain’s potential requires tactical discipline and full focus on set pieces.

Salvador emphasised detailed analysis of individuals and dead-ball situations. The team will treat the fixture as a high-stakes test.

Path to the Serbian role

Salvador joined Serbia after working in Saudi Arabia with Al Ittihad under Laurent Blanc. The club won the league and the cup during his time.

After a poor start to the following season, he left Al Ittihad. Shortly afterwards, contacts with Veljko Paunovic led to his recruitment by the national team.

Daily work and scouting

His routine with Serbia focuses on scouting and video analysis. There is less on-pitch load than at club level.

Salvador monitors around 183 Serbian goalkeepers across major leagues. He tracks youth talent in U-21 and U-19 categories.

The squad gathers in Stara Pazova, Belgrade’s football city, during FIFA windows. Camps resemble a condensed pre-season with recovery, video, and tactical work.

National team versus club work

With the national team, time is used for data, analysis, and tactical adaptation. Players arrive after club matches and need recovery and activation.

Salvador focuses on prevention, conditioning, and tactical positioning for goalkeepers. He adapts players to the national team game model quickly.

Profiles of the goalkeepers

• Djordje Petrovic — Former Chelsea player, now at Bournemouth under Iraola. Described as humble and eager to learn.
• Vanja Milikovic-Savic — An established goalkeeper in Italian football and a key figure in the squad.
• Predrag Rajkovic — Known for strong performances at Al Ittihad. He played an important final while injured and later had surgery.

Working with Veljko Paunovic

Paunovic runs a modern, delegated coaching system. He involves goalkeepers in offensive build-up and defensive organisation.

Set-piece analysis is a priority for the coach. Goalkeepers are expected to communicate and lead during those moments.

Club experiences abroad

At Al Ittihad, Salvador worked alongside high-profile players like Karim Benzema. The Saudi project included several international stars.

He joined Blanc after a meeting in Alicante before pre-season. Salvador described the period as a positive professional experience.

Short spell at Almería and long tenure at Espanyol

He left Espanyol to join Vicente Moreno at Almería. That stint lasted seven matches and ended with the staff’s dismissal.

Salvador spent 14 seasons at Espanyol. He rose from youth coaching to first-team duties and led the academy’s goalkeeping methodology.

Discovering and mentoring talents

Collaborating with Joan Garcia was a highlight of his Espanyol years. Salvador signed Joan from Damm and promoted him early to the first team.

He praised Joan’s physique, speed, and composure. Salvador worked with Joan for four seasons in the first team, focusing on positioning and biomechanics.

Other youth prospects

Ángel Fortuño impressed with explosiveness and jumping power. He has not secured a regular starting spot due to competition from taller keepers.

Salvador also mentioned Llorenç Serred as a player with notable potential. He noted he no longer follows the entire youth setup closely.

Jesús Salvador’s path combines long-term academy work with high-level club and international experience. His role in Serbia blends scouting, recovery management, and tactical goalkeeping preparation.