The senior women’s football team is set to kick off its new UEFA Nations League cycle tomorrow at noon in Baku.

Montenegro faces Azerbaijan in the opening match of Group C4, which also features Lithuania; Mirko Marić’s squad will take on Lithuania on Tuesday at 14:00.

This league begins against a familiar opponent, as Montenegro and Azerbaijan have clashed in the previous Nations League edition, with Azerbaijan winning both encounters—1:0 in Podgorica and 3:0 in Baku.

“A known challenger who has defeated us in two of our last three matches. I hope we have gained insights from those games, especially that my players should be assertive when in possession and play straightforwardly when we have the ball. I believe that if we accomplish that, we will surpass Azerbaijan,” stated coach Mirko Marić, conveying optimism.

Captain Slađana Bulatović noted that while Azerbaijan is a well-recognized opponent, the players carry a strong desire to redeem themselves after the prior defeats.

“We are incredibly motivated to demonstrate our capabilities and prove our superiority. They play with notable aggression and have a certain level of ‘arrogance’ in their football that we might lack. This means we must push ourselves to match them in that aspect,” Bulatović expressed.

Coach Marić is hopeful that Montenegro will achieve a significant breakthrough in this cycle, aiming for promotion to a higher tier after previously reaching the play-offs as second place in the group stage. The top position attracts direct advancement to League B.

“We will strategize with that objective in mind; our goal is to secure first place. Success will hinge on numerous factors, primarily the health and readiness of all players, but we will strive to give our utmost,” Marić asserted.

Nonetheless, Lithuania should not be underestimated in Group C4.

“They are the strongest team we could have faced from the third pot. I believe this group is balanced, and minor details will determine the outcome,” Marić concluded.

Bulatović openly acknowledges her satisfaction with the growth of women’s football in Montenegro, but…

“When success arises, it is natural to have greater expectations. We anticipate significant achievements in this cycle and believe we are prepared to reach the goals we have set,” added Bulatović.

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