For the first time since 2010, after 17 major competitions, Montenegrin handball players will not be featured in the premier narratives of the sport.

The “lionesses” hoped for their fourth consecutive Olympic appearance, but they fell short against Slovenia and Germany, leaving them to watch the Games from home this time alongside Bojana Popović.

While it may seem grim now, the reality is much brighter—our team displayed remarkable determination and resilience in southern Germany, aspiring for Olympic rounds, but unfortunately, this time their opponents proved superior.

Something crucial was missing on the path to Paris, perhaps that extra spark that could have made a difference—being healthy and in top condition could have illuminated their way to the City of Light.

– Slovenia played better; they currently possess a deeper roster and stronger defenders—those capable of scoring from outside, Bojana Popović remarked after the loss to the national team led by Dragan Adžić.

The Montenegrin national team consciously opted to face their most significant challenge in three years without their strongest squad. Injuries to Djurdžina – Jauković and Malović, along with absences due to various reasons, couldn’t be avoided, yet they still chose to pursue Olympic dreams without a key player—a back-shooter like Slovenia had.

While there’s no certainty that the presence of Milena Raičević would have secured a spot in Paris, her absence made a considerable difference. The other players in the back position could have benefited from her insights and playmaking abilities.

Milena, currently with Rapida in Bucharest, showcased her impact during her last match for Montenegro against Turkey at the start of EHF Euro qualifications, indicating how much she was missed during the World Cup and crucial matches against Serbia and Turkey.

The coach’s prerogative is to work with those in whom she has confidence and who contribute positively to the team dynamics. While she bears responsibility for the results, it’s also essential to prioritize the national team’s success above club or personal interests. The Federation emphasizes this as well.

For the “Paris 2024 project,” Slovenia reintegrated the exceptional “bomber” Anna Gross into their lineup, illustrating that even at such a crucial moment for Montenegrin handball, Milena’s grievances with Budućnost Bemax over unpaid wages couldn’t be overlooked.

The cost has been high for Bojana Popović, and whether she continues to lead Montenegro or a new coach takes over, the key takeaway is that only the best players should compete.

This need for quality will be essential as November approaches and the European Championship signals the start of a new Olympic cycle.

Potential Successors to Bojana: Maja Savić, Igor Marković, Suzana Lazović…

Following the qualification loss, Bojana Popović mentioned that even with Olympic qualification, she had contemplated handing over the national team reins to someone else.

The outcomes in Ulm seem to confirm that this legendary player may not lead the “lionesses” anymore, prompting the Handball Association of Montenegro to seek new options.

The front-runner to succeed Bojana is her assistant and former teammate, the esteemed Maja Savić, who has guided many current senior players in previous selections.

Other potential candidates include Igor Marković, who has made a mark in coaching the women’s junior national team and the handball players of Rudar.

Another possible option is Suzana Lazović, the former pivot of Montenegro, who has excelled in coaching China’s junior teams, leading them to the finals of the Asian Championship.

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