Slovenia's national team manager Bostjan Cesar has delivered a stern warning to Manchester United, asserting that he will not be pressured or manipulated concerning the international availability of star striker Benjamin Sesko. This declaration follows Sesko's withdrawal from Slovenia's upcoming friendly matches against Hungary in Budapest this Saturday and Montenegro in Podgorica next Tuesday.
Recovery and Assessment Protocols
Manchester United cited that Sesko needed to recover from an issue they have been 'carefully managing throughout recent weeks' as the reason for his absence. While Cesar accepted this decision, he insisted that Slovenia's medical staff conduct their own evaluation of the 22-year-old forward during a training camp in Ljubljana this week.
United agreed to this arrangement, as Sesko had already planned to return home for a brief period of rest. This also provided an opportunity for his first in-person meeting with Cesar since the manager assumed his role in January.
Historical Tensions and New Leadership
This situation echoes a previous contentious stand-off between the club and country last November. At that time, Sesko withdrew due to a knee injury sustained during a match at Tottenham, leading to complaints from former Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek about poor communication from United.
Slovenia's subsequent defeat to Kosovo dashed their World Cup qualification hopes, resulting in the decision not to renew Kek's contract. Cesar's appointment marked a new chapter, and he is determined to establish clear boundaries.
Cesar's Unwavering Stance on International Duty
On Friday, Cesar reiterated that while he understood the current reasons for Sesko's withdrawal, Slovenia would firmly assert their rights in future call-ups. He emphasized that national teams possess the authority to demand players report for duty, even if clubs claim they are injured, and United would receive no special treatment.
'Normally the national team is crucial for us, a little less so for them (United), but it's better for Benjamin not to train for these 14 days,' Cesar stated. 'Our medical department immediately assessed that it would not be good for him to play.'
Equal Application of UEFA Regulations
Cesar made it clear that Manchester United would be subject to the same UEFA rules as domestic Slovenian clubs, such as current league leaders NK Celje. 'We have to value ourselves. We are a small country, but this is a national team. For me, and I am the responsible one, there will be no deviation here,' he declared.
'Whether it’s Manchester United or Celje, you know what UEFA's national team rules are. There will be no deviation.'
Sesko's Current Status and Future Outlook
Sesko was observed participating in light exercises with his teammates during a fitness test at the training camp on Tuesday, indicating a cautious approach to his recovery. He is anticipated to be fit for Manchester United's next Premier League fixture against Leeds at Old Trafford on April 13.
This episode underscores the ongoing delicate balance between club commitments and international duties, with Cesar's firm stance signaling a proactive effort to safeguard Slovenia's interests moving forward.
