Barbarez reveals Bosnia offer

Bayer Leverkusen striker Sergei Barbarez has revealed he was offered the role of player-coach for the Bosnian national team.

The Bosnian Federation spoke to Barbarez about the position after current boss Blaz Sliskovic offered his resignation.

Bosnia-Herzegovina slumped to a 3-1 defeat to Hungary in last week's Euro 2008 qualifier and officials had hoped Barbarez would take over as a player-coach.

However, the 34-year-old has ruled out the possibility of taking the job, insisting he remains fully focused on his playing career.

"They did ask me whether I could imagine taking on the job," Barbarez told the Express newspaper.

"I decided to leave my options open.

"Of course it would be possible to take over the team for one or two games, but I doubt that it would be feasible in the long term."

The Bosnian Federation have now decided to give Sliskovic their backing after being rebuffed by Barbarez.

Sliskovic will remain in charge for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Moldova on October 7.