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Veljko Paunovic Regrets Leaving Chivas, Calls 2023 Alexis Vega Substitution a Mistake

He says the choice followed severe fatigue alongside family strain that left him 12 kilos lighter.

Overview

  • In a new interview with Claro Sports, Paunovic said he second‑guessed his December 2023 resignation weeks later but accepted there was no way to reverse it.
  • His Chivas tenure lasted 13 months and included a runner‑up finish in the Clausura 2023 and direct liguilla qualification in both tournaments he led.
  • He acknowledged that substituting Alexis Vega in the final against Tigres was an error that still pains him, saying the attacker’s presence could have helped to the end despite injury concerns.
  • Now Serbia’s head coach since October 2025, Paunovic has opened his tenure with a defeat to England and a win over Latvia after the team missed the 2026 World Cup.
  • He proposed arranging a SerbiaMexico friendly to support Mexico’s World Cup preparation while offering Serbia meaningful competition before its next Nations League campaign.