In just 38 days, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland will host the European Women’s Handball Championship, marking the eighth appearance for Montenegro in this tournament.

This time, the team will be under the guidance of new coach Suzana Lazović, who is beginning to piece together the squad after her initial experience with the “lionesses” in September.

“Tomorrow, we will be at full strength for training, and I am confident we can implement everything we have envisioned during this EHF week,” said Suzana ahead of the national team meeting.

Unlike the previous EHF week, this time our national team will participate in a test match and have joint training sessions with Croatia.

“We have significant rotation and I believe it will be sufficient to prepare us both tactically and technically against our opponents at the European Championship – Serbia, Romania, and the Czech Republic,” emphasized the Montenegrin coach.

Every training session is exciting

The match against Croatia on Friday will mark her debut in charge of the Lionesses.

“Training with the national team also brings excitement, but if we allow excitement to dominate, we won’t think clearly or make the best decisions,” says Lazović, determined not to let emotions cloud her judgment.

What does Montenegro need to be like in that match?

“Calm and composed, as we know what we are preparing for. The result isn’t the priority; instead, we want to identify our weaknesses to ensure we perform at our best during the European Championship.”

Rotation and ambitions at the Euro

The European Championship comes on the heels of a setback in Olympic qualifications, but this time Montenegro will be stronger with the return of Milena Raičević and Đurđina Jauković.

“I’m pleased with our depth, especially with Đina back from a long absence. We have quality players at every position; I wouldn’t single out backs, pivots, wings, or goalkeepers. With rotation, I believe our performance will not wane, but rather improve step by step.”

What are Montenegro’s goals for the European Championship?

“Our aim is to give our all, uphold our promises, and foster team spirit. The ‘lionesses’ have always been characterized by their hunger, and in the end, that hunger has consistently brought results,” Suzana Lazović stated clearly.

Defense, fast center, and transitions

As a former player, Suzana Lazović was a pillar of Montenegro’s defense, and she expects her players to emulate that strength.

“Defense will be paramount and the key to every game. After that, we will aim for a ‘fast center’ and effective transition, while also emphasizing the importance of returning to defense. In attack, we need to methodically break down every action and maintain discipline to honor our mutual agreement, which will be crucial.”

Montenegro will start the Euros in Debrecen, facing well-known rivals in group B.

“We believe we will prepare as thoroughly as possible and conduct the necessary analyses. Montenegro has prior experience against Serbia, Romania, and the Czech Republic. We will face three strong opponents, and ultimately, everything hinges on our preparedness as we enter these matches,” concluded Suzana Lazović.

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