The first half of last season in Denmark was the worst I’ve experienced as a coach – Bojana Popović shared her thoughts ahead of the upcoming clash between Budućnost and Odense, highlighting the challenging visit awaiting her handball players on the island of Funen.

The renowned Montenegrin team and the current leaders of the Danish championship are set to meet at 16:3 during the 15th round of the Champions League – just one year and five days after Budućnost suffered one of the most significant defeats (by a margin of 25 points) in the club’s history at “Sidbank Arena”.

Last season, Odense proved too fast for the “blues”, and this time around, their counterattacks pose the biggest threat.

– Yes, their strength lies in their transition play; it’s their primary weapon. They operate a fast-paced center, so our foremost goal will be to return quickly on defense. Their players are robust and quick, frequently engaging in “one-on-one” situations. Stopping that is crucial – stated Ivana Godeč, the pivot for Budućnost.

It All Begins with Defense

This season, Budućnost is not favored in any match, but if they aim to perform at least as well as they did against Rapid in Bucharest, they must excel defensively.

– Everything begins with defense; that’s what we’ve been taught, and it holds true. A strong defense makes offense easier. Otherwise, tension and nervousness can carry over to our attacking play, making it more difficult – emphasized Godeč.

Her teammate Tanja Ivanović shares a similar perspective.

– We must minimize technical errors, establish a resilient and stable defense, and maintain a solid midfield. We cannot allow them to bypass us easily. I believe we can channel the positive energy from our defense into our attack to score easy goals – explained Ivanović.

Prepared for What’s Ahead

The right back of Budućnost is aware that the team faces a demanding match in Denmark.

– We anticipate a challenging game; we understand how Odense operates. Their transition play is strong, and they have skilled players with excellent feints, making them tough to defend against. We know what lies ahead, we are preparing, but we will aim to rely on our game – Ivanović stressed.

Odense’s sole loss at the season’s outset occurred during the Champions League Danish derby against Esbjerg, whereas they showcased their true prowess in the domestic league against Nykøbing, stunning their opponents with a 35:18 victory.

– This is a team where each player knows their role at all times, showing great coordination. As proficient feint players, they can exploit any weaknesses and score at will. We must be vigilant about all these aspects – concluded Tanja Ivanović.

Following two rounds in the Champions League, Budućnost has faced two defeats – against Rapid in Bucharest (32:27) and Brest on home ground (35:22). After the match in Denmark, a break will follow due to national team commitments during the EHF week.

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