“I was lucky enough to work with Ratko Rudić to learn” – Elvis Fatović on Coaching Excellence & Leadership

In this episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, Elvis Fatović, head coach of CN Barceloneta and former Australian national team coach, reflects on his coaching journey and the influence of legendary coach Ratko Rudić on his philosophy and leadership style.

Fatović speaks about the transition from national team coaching to daily club work in Barcelona, explaining why working in a club environment requires constant presence, communication and emotional intelligence. He highlights that coaching elite players is not about teaching basics, but about moderating personalities, creating trust and guiding a group toward a common goal.

A central part of the discussion focuses on what he learned from Ratko Rudić: the ability to read people, adapt leadership styles and demand excellence without losing the human connection. Fatović emphasizes that great coaches are lifelong learners and must remain open-minded, even when working with world-class athletes.

The episode offers deep insights into modern coaching at the highest level, leadership dynamics in elite teams and why being “coachable as a coach” is essential for long-term success.