The OTP Group Buducnost handball team is making solid preparations for the upcoming EHF Champions League season, set to commence on the first weekend of September. The team is experiencing a positive atmosphere, and the new players have smoothly integrated into the training routine.

This was conveyed by the newly appointed captain of OTP Group Buducnost, Itana Grbić, in an interview on the club’s official website. Following a ten-day training camp in Pljevlja, the team has resumed preparations for the new season in Podgorica under the guidance of Bojana Popović.

Grbić, who has returned to her hometown after spending four seasons abroad, emphasized that OTP Group Buducnost will blend youthful energy with seasoned experience in Europe’s elite competition. There is optimism that the “blues” will progress further this season and reach the Champions League knockout stage.

The team will kick off their new EHF Champions League campaign—their 30th in the prestigious European tournament—on September 6/7 against Hungarian side Debrecen in Podgorica.

Alongside Debrecen, Popović’s squad will face tough competition from Norway’s Storhamar, France’s Metz, Hungary’s Győr, Germany’s Borussia Dortmund, Denmark’s Esbjerg, and Romania’s Gloria Bistrica.

In the group stage, the teams will be divided into two groups of eight teams each. The top two teams will advance to the quarterfinals, while those ranked third through sixth will compete in the round of 16.

How would you assess the first phase of the preparations that has been completed, and how pleased are you with the team’s progress so far?

– I’m happy with the energy and spirit that has been present in the team since day one. Every player is giving their all in training. We have a healthy competitive environment, and I believe our training intensity will reflect how we play. It’s important that we support one another, listen, and work as a cohesive unit. I trust this spirit will carry on throughout the rest of the preparations.

After four years abroad, you’ve returned to your hometown club. What is your perspective on Buducnost today, and what motivated your return?

– After spending four seasons away, I chose to come back home with a clear aim: to restore Buducnost to its rightful place among Europe’s elite. I genuinely believe this season we can step up and qualify for the knockout rounds of the Champions League. Today, Buducnost features a commendable mix of youth and experience. More seasoned players are here to support the younger talents and impart the knowledge we’ve gained. I foresee a promising future for this generation.

You will don the captain’s armband this season. What does this responsibility mean to you, and how do you envision your role in guiding the team?

– Wearing the captain’s armband is a cherished yet challenging responsibility for me. As someone who was raised in Buducnost, it has always been my dream. I understand the weight of this role, but if I weren’t ready for it, I wouldn’t have accepted. Having spent seven of the last ten years abroad learning from top coaches and playing alongside outstanding players, I believe I can leverage this experience to assist the team and particularly my younger colleagues.

The first test matches begin on August 12. How crucial are these games for the team’s development, and what will be your focus in the remainder of the preparations?

– Test matches are vital as they offer us a chance to practice scenarios that can’t be replicated in training. Our aim is to establish a competitive rhythm, reestablish our solid defensive structure—which has always been Buducnost’s hallmark—and identify which areas need further refinement to ensure we are fully prepared for the Champions League opener.

In addition to you, Senegal’s national team pivot Ava N’Diaj and Polish national team left winger Dagmara Nocunj have joined Buducnost. How do you perceive the quality of this squad, and what can fans anticipate this season?

– I’m thrilled about the arrivals of N’Diaj, with whom I played last season in Crimea, and Nocunj. From the outset, they showcased professionalism, commitment, and an eagerness to contribute. They’ve blended seamlessly with the squad, and I truly believe the club has made excellent choices with these signings. Our fans can expect fierce competition in every match, and we aim to make them proud by advancing to the next stage. Their support will undoubtedly bolster us.