Khujand head coach Milan Milanovic says strong salaries remain one reason European coaches are attracted to Central Asian football.
The Serbian coach, who has worked in both Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, told Championat.asia that he continues to follow football across the region.
“Yes, they pay good salaries in Central Asian countries. That is absolutely true.
“I’m also interested in the leagues in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. I respect the local supporters and I want to teach local players something.”
Milanovic said he did not receive offers from Uzbekistan after leaving Tobol at the end of 2022, but still follows the country’s championship closely.
Part of that interest comes from former players he worked with earlier in his career.
“Dragan Ceran, Marko Stanojevic and Vladimir Bubanja play there now, and they all previously played under me.
“For Ceran and Stanojevic, I became almost like a father because we spoke so much. I coached those players at three different clubs.”
He added that they later enjoyed success in Uzbekistan and Asian competition, winning league titles and individual honours.
Milanovic also reflected on his time with Tobol, where he worked with Uzbekistan striker Igor Sergeev.
The 63-year-old described Sergeev as the “king of the penalty area” and praised the quality of the squad he had in Kazakhstan.
Milanovic has been in charge of Khujand since the end of 2025.
In October, he guided the club to victory in the Tajikistan Cup.
His previous coaching career has also taken him to Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armenia, Hungary, Moldova, Slovenia and the Faroe Islands.
He was named Serbian SuperLiga Coach of the Year in 2013-14 and holds a UEFA Pro Licence.