Hasselt is on the agenda for tomorrow and Pescara on Sunday; in the coming five days, Montenegrin handball players will finally determine whether their playoff rival for the World Cup will be Belgium or Italy.

The “Lions” convened in Podgorica last night, and even though they are unaware of their opponent’s identity, the EHF will utilize the week to gradually acclimatize to the May playoffs.

“We have limited preparation time, and not knowing our playoff rival makes it challenging to prepare accordingly. However, this also allows us to focus more on our own game,” stated our left-handed sharpshooter, Branko Vujović.

The objective for the playoffs and beyond is straightforward…

“It’s always significant to participate in major competitions. Regardless of who we face, our aim is to secure victory and qualify for the World Cup,” Vujović elaborated.

Throughout the EHF week, coach Vlad Šola’s team will engage in two matches against Georgia on Friday and Saturday at the “Verde” hall, where the “Lions” plan to refine specific aspects of their gameplay.

“There’s undoubtedly room for improvement. Even elite teams like Denmark and France have areas to work on, and we do as well. We need to focus on maintaining patience in key moments, avoiding rushed shots, and creating opportunities through better play—these are crucial aspects we must emphasize,” asserted the “Lions'” right-back.

For this EHF week, Šola has selected 12 players from the January EHF Euro squad, alongside several newcomers, including Lovcen’s center back, Filip Krivokapić.

“I’m thrilled to get the opportunity to represent the national team; this has been my dream since I began my handball journey. I aim to prove the faith the coach has in me by giving my all in every training and game,” Krivokapić expressed.

The handball player from Cetinje will now join the teammates he recently supported during the European Championship.

“The team performed phenomenally at the European Championship; they demonstrated that we can compete with the best. One goal determined our fate against Iceland, and the victory over Serbia provided us with the confidence to aim for greater achievements in the World Championship. First, we need to qualify, but I truly believe in this team’s potential,” he remarked.

Despite being new to the “Lions” training sessions, Krivokapić understands the expectations placed upon him.

“We have abundant energy, and Montenegro is renowned for rising to the occasion, so even the new players, alongside the more seasoned ones, will definitely contribute to our success. I am confident we can achieve the best possible results,” he asserted.

When discussing the upcoming test matches, he stated…

“Georgia also participated in the European Championship, and these games will surely aid our cohesion and allow the coach to assess our new players,” Krivokapić concluded.

Vujović: Dinamo Bucharest? Only Club Agreement Needed

Branko Vujović’s contract with Hanover runs until July 2025, but it appears a farewell is imminent, as Dinamo Bucharest, led by the legendary Ćavi Pasqual, is poised to be his next destination.

“The situation isn’t finalized yet; there’s discussion, and it is true—the only remaining step is for the clubs to reach an agreement. If that happens, I’ll likely be heading to Bucharest,” Vujović admitted.

The Bundesliga posed a significant challenge, yet…

“I found it somewhat difficult to adapt to the system in Germany, which differs from the one in Poland where I previously played. Nevertheless, the experience of competing in one of the world’s best leagues has certainly been valuable to me,” Vujović stated.

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