Profile: Goalkeeping.com Academy Coach Dusan Stoiljkovic

We regularly present our Goalkeeping.com Academy coaches and their training philosophies. Recently, we interviewed Dusan Stoiljkovic, who will be working at the 2025-26 winter camps for the first time!

1. Where are you from and how did you become a goalkeeper?

My name is Dusan Stoiljkovic, I come from Niš, Serbia. My goalkeeping career began at the age of seven – a moment that first brought me into contact with this special position. When I put on the gloves, I quickly realized how unique it is to stand between the posts. I was never an outfield player; from the very beginning, I was fascinated not only by spectacular saves, but above all by the mental strength that goalkeeping demands.

2. What was your career path as a goalkeeping coach?

After ending my playing career at OFK Sindjelic, I decided to become a coach. The decisive factor was the almost non-existent goalkeeping community in my city – I realized the impact I could have on the development of young goalkeepers. Since then, I have combined my playing experience with modern training methods and worked to raise the level of goalkeeping training in Serbia and the region.

3. What positions have you held as a goalkeeping coach so far?

I began my coaching career at OFK Sindjelic Niš before taking over goalkeeping development at top clubs like FK Radnicki Niš. I then moved to ZFK Mašinac. Simultaneously, I worked as a regional goalkeeping coach for the Serbian Football Association. Each position – from youth to professional level – broadened my perspective on goalkeeping and shaped me as a coach.

4. What goalkeeper licenses or training courses have you completed?

I hold a UEFA C license and am about to obtain my UEFA B license. I also regularly participate in workshops, seminars, and online training courses. Continuous professional development is essential for me because goalkeeping is evolving rapidly – and coaches must actively keep pace with this progress to optimally prepare their players.

5. What is your personal training philosophy?

My training philosophy is centered on the game itself. For me, good goalkeeper training consists not only of technical repetition, but above all of realistic, game-like situations. Goalkeepers should be challenged physically, mentally, and emotionally – and at the same time enjoy learning. In the Keepers Daily Academy, we also promote personal development, for example through reading, podcasts, and analyzing one's own performance.

6. Do you focus on specific areas in your training?

Yes. Decision-making and mental strength are particularly important to me. Technique is the foundation – but it's the combination of technical skill, clear thinking, and mental stability that turns good goalkeepers into great ones.

7. How do you adapt your training to different goalkeepers?

Every goalkeeper is unique. That's why I design targeted drills and provide personalized, player-specific feedback. With younger goalkeepers, the focus is on solid fundamentals and enjoyment of the game, while with older and more experienced goalkeepers, it's on tactical understanding and the fine-tuning that makes all the difference at a high level.

8. What fascinates you most about goalkeeping?

The responsibility. Goalkeepers are solely in the spotlight during crucial moments. It's not just about saving shots, but also about leadership, composure, and resilience. The ability to immediately shake off mistakes and give the team confidence is what makes this position unique for me.

9. In your opinion, who is currently the best goalkeeper in the world – and why?

For me, there is no single best goalkeeper in the world. Everyone brings different strengths. David Raya, for example, is an outstanding playmaker with excellent vision and strong vertical passes, but he has weaknesses in controlling crosses – an area where others are better. The best goalkeeper is always the one who fits ideally into his team's system and provides the entire team with security.

10. Do you have a personal motto or attitude that guides your work as a coach?

Yes. I often tell my goalkeepers: "A good goalkeeper saves the shot. A great one prevents it." This expresses my conviction that goalkeepers have to think like chess players – always one step ahead. Equally important to me is: "Strive for progress, not perfection." This phrase motivates us in every training session and helps us to grow continuously.

Dusan, thank you so much for the interview. We're looking forward to seeing you in action for the first time at the winter camp in Vienna on December 27th and 28th!