“Between the Posts: Branislav Mitrović on Coaching, Philosophy, and the True Value of Goalkeepers”

In this international episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, I speak
with Branislav Mitrović, former Serbian national team goalkeeper
and today an internationally respected goalkeeper coach, about the
true value of goalkeepers in modern water polo, long-term team
building and the growing importance of mental and tactical
preparation. Branislav explains why successful teams are not built
for short-term results, but through long-term development visions
of five to ten years. He highlights how clubs like Barceloneta,
Olympiacos and Ferencváros benefit when a large part of the
national team trains together for many years — creating chemistry,
tactical identity and mental stability. A major focus of the
episode is his goalkeeper coaching philosophy, which is based on
three pillars: – Physical preparation for peak performance in the
most important matches – Technical development under the new water
polo rules – Psychological stability under pressure Branislav
describes how modern goalkeepers must be trained as complete
high-performance athletes, not just shot-stoppers. He explains how
video analysis, opponent profiling and tactical anticipation are
now essential parts of elite goalkeeper preparation. A very
powerful part of the conversation is his message to coaches working
with young players. He criticizes the common mistake of placing the
slowest or weakest swimmer into the goal, and instead argues that
clubs should put tall, explosive and athletic players into the
goalkeeper position from a young age. According to him, the
goalkeeper is now the most important decision-maker in the pool. We
also talk about: – Why modern goalkeepers can win championships
almost alone – Why salaries and transfer priorities must change –
The importance of loving the goalkeeper position – Why fear of the
ball has no place in elite performance – His legendary teammates
like Duško Pijetlović and Miloš Ćuk – Underrated goalkeepers in
today’s international game Topics of this episode: – Long-term team
building in water polo – Modern goalkeeper coaching philosophy –
Psychology & mental strength of goalkeepers – New rules &
their impact on the goalie position – Youth development &
correct role assignment – Goalkeeper vs. shooter salaries &
transfers – Pressure handling at elite level – Championship-winning
performances – Serbian school of water polo This episode is a
must-listen for goalkeepers, coaches, youth trainers and water polo
fans worldwide who want to understand why the goalkeeper position
is now the most decisive factor in modern water polo. More about
the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de