Božidar Bandović is a Montenegrin football manager and former player. He is the manager of Thai side Buriram United.
Playing career
Born in Nikšić, SR Montenegro, as a player, while playing for the 1991 European and World Champions Red Star Belgrade, he won one national Championship in 1994-95 and two national cups in 1993 and 1995. He is the younger brother of another ex-Red Star footballer, Nebojša Bandović.
Coaching career
Start as assistant coach to the Greek coach Babis Tennes at FC Kerkyra and FC Akratitos Greek Second Division. Both years with different teams went from the Second to The First division. In Olympiacos from June 2006 till October 2010, he worked as head of analysis, scouter Olympiacos scouting opponent with team having successes playing Champion League and dominated in Greek Championship. Two times as assistant coach, Olympiacos to the head coach José Segura from Spain and June 2010 – October 2010 assistant manager to Ewald Lienen from Germany. Bandović took the technical leadership of the Olympiacos two times (first September 2009 taken control of the team temporarily before Zico's arrival and second at January 2010 with Andreas Niniadis as his assistant after Zico's dismissal. as a caretaker coach after Temuri Ketsbaia's dismissal. Initially appointed as a head coach in September 2009 during the Champion League and had a successful start including three very credible games with Alkmaar and Championship away games with AEK and Paok. Second time in January 2010, having taken over halfway through the season with the club playing in Champion League against Bordeaux. In November 2010 was hired by Kerkyra F.C. replacing Babis Tennes. In Kerkyra F.C. successful stay in The First Division that proved to be the first time in the history in Super League concerning they dropped down three times in the pas. In November 2011 he left the club. In 17 January 2012 he was officially announced as the team manager of AEL 1964 FC, replacing Chris Coleman, but did not sign a contract. As head coach called to Azerbaijan to manage FC Baku in June 2012. Took over the team 10 days before the Championship started. Under Bozidar’s guidance, the team played in the first six play-offs and in semifinal of Azerbaijan Cup. First time in history team didn't lose 10 games in a row. Manage Buriram United in Thailand from January 4, 2014, Start with great win in Champion League against Sangdong, Pohang drew 4 points from 2 games. In championship stayed unbeaten for 12 games, with team going from 13th table position to 3rd. Surprising suddenly terminated contract from the club at 7/2014. In 2016, as a Head Coach of Sisaket he made club record managing to stay undefeated at home ground for entire 7 months. From June 2017, in position of Head Coach for Buriram United he won Thai Premier League and made league record finishing season with 86 points, most points ever made in Thai Premier League. Also under his guidance club get rewards for "Best developing club", "Best player of the year", "Best foreign player of the year", "Men's player of the year" and "Best youth player of the year". In season 2018. he led his team Buriram United to another Champions title of Thai Premier League and their dominance is best shown by their making of two new records by winning 87 points in one season, and record of 15 consecutive wins. He was named Thai Premier League Coach of The Year 2018. This season they also made great success when they qualified to "Round of 16" of AFC Champions League, after advancing from a very difficult group stage clashes with Guangzhou Evergrande, Cerezo Osaka and Jeju United. Buriram United was eliminated by South Korean champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC after total score 4-3 in two match clash. After Buriram win at home 3-2, they lost in Jeonju match 2-0, but they finished their presentation in Asia's top club competition with proud. Buriram United was named officially 12th ranked club of this competition for season 2018. Season 2019 they started with another trophy, they won Thailand Champions Cup with a dominant win 3–1 over last year FA Cup champion, Chiangrai United.
