The top volleyball players from Montenegro wrapped up the qualifying cycle with a win against Norway. Unfortunately, they will not be participating in the continental championship of elite national teams for the first time since 2019, ending a streak of three consecutive European Championships.

A complete generational shift, a notably younger team, a new coach and coaching staff, and injuries to key players have all contributed to Montana’s ongoing series of defeats since the last cycle and the previous European Championship in the summer of 2023.

Despite the “justifications” for these losses—many against stronger national teams—it’s never positive to accumulate so many defeats. Therefore, the victory over Norway was a welcome relief for our volleyball squad.

This win also acted as a form of relief, acknowledgment, and reward, according to our team’s service receiver, Nemanja Peruničić.

“The mood is entirely different when entering the second international break after a win versus continuing a losing streak. All our defeats came against superior teams, but we showcased our capabilities in the Golden League, the toughest competition we’ve faced to date. We wanted to demonstrate against Norway that we are a team not to be underestimated. Even though that match held significance for Norway’s European Championship qualification, they shouldn’t care more about winning than we do. Winning was our only objective on the court, coupled with the intention to enjoy the game. This victory is a reward for all our hard work over the summer, which wasn’t reflected in prior wins. But we managed to end on a high note,” said Nemanja Peruničić to odbojka.me.

Montenegro fielded the youngest team in both the Golden League and final qualifying rounds this summer.

“Our oldest player was born in 1999, and in Kolašin, the oldest player was me, born in 2001. I don’t know of any younger teams in volleyball or any sport. A significant generational change has occurred, which is natural in any sport, and for me, as a long-time member of the national team, everything felt fresh—especially with the new coach, staff, teammates, and overall environment. The Federation is committed to forming a new national team aimed at qualifying for the 2028 European Championship, without any immediate pressure; still, I’m pleased we concluded our match series against these strong national teams, particularly in the Golden League, with a victory,” Nemanja emphasized.

In May, Ivica Jevtić assembled a team envisioned to represent the future of Montenegrin men’s volleyball.

“Every new beginning presents challenges, especially one like ours, where virtually everything is different. However, those who watched us play could see our evolution and how much better we have become since May. Some players have returned from injuries, and it was clear against Norway that our gameplay was notably smoother compared to earlier, revealing the individual progress made by players. All of this bodes well for our future,” he noted.

With a lengthy hiatus ahead—the qualifiers for the 2028 European Championship don’t commence for another two summers—this break can be both advantageous and disadvantageous.

“We definitely have substantial time ahead, but that doesn’t mean we should miss any opportunity to maximize it. I primarily think about the effort and dedication each player brings. We’ll regroup next summer, likely participate in the Silver League, and as we grow older and more experienced, by the summer of 2027 when qualifiers begin, we should undoubtedly be a stronger team than we are now. Time is on our side, but we must utilize it wisely,” Nemanja asserted.

Previously a Buducnost player and an international competitor in Slovenia and Serbia, Nemanja Peruničić parted ways with the Czech club Usti nad Labem, where he spent the last half of the season, prior to the national team assembly.

“We achieved our objective and maintained our league status; the club was in serious trouble upon my arrival. It was a positive experience for me, and while there were discussions about extending my contract, it didn’t materialize, so I’m now in search of new challenges. I expect to know the name of my new club soon,” he concluded.

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