For the first time since the European Championship in Germany, the Montenegrin handball team has gathered in Podgorica. Unlike the matches in Munich, Bož Anđelić and Miloš Božović are absent from the roster, while Vuko Borozan and pivots Nemanja Grbović and Vuk Lazović have been given a rest.

With 12 players from the EHF Euro and several newcomers, the “lions” will practice in Podgorica during the EHF week and will participate in two friendly matches against Georgia on Friday and Saturday at the “Verde” hall.

“We were close to arranging matches with Iceland, but those fell through,” stated coach Vlado Šola. “Given that many teams are busy with Olympic and World Championship qualifiers, our options were limited. However, we managed to schedule Georgia, which is a solid team that played in the European Championship, so we must give our best to secure a victory.”

Šola will be evaluating Miodrag Ćorsović and the Lovcen duo of Luka Vujović and Mihajlo Šćekić at the pivot position. From the back line, Cetinje club players Filip Krivokapić and Milorad Bakić, as well as wings Filip Vujović and Vojislav Vukić, are also given the opportunity along with goalkeeper Haris Suljević. Miloš Vujović and Vasilij Kaluđerović were absent from the first training session, with the latter excused for the birth of his son.

“Our primary goal for this gathering is to assess new and younger players,” Šola explained. “We need to broaden our base, especially focusing on defensive roles in positions ‘three’ and ‘four’, while also looking for players who can contribute in both areas. As long as I’m here, we’ll continue to introduce new players as opportunities arise. There are many handball players eager to represent the national team, but we can’t invite them all at once.”

The “lions” will learn their opponents for the May World Cup playoffs on Sunday after the rematch between Italy and Belgium in Pescara. Regardless of who they face, it is clear that Mirko Radović and his teammates will be viewed as favorites.

“When you mention Belgium or Italy, it might seem at first glance that they are not tough opponents. But today, there are no weak teams in Europe; Belgium and Italy missed the European Championship by very narrow margins. An unexpected upset could quickly turn the tide, making them competitive. We must treat this playoff with the utmost seriousness. Our duty is to qualify for the World Cup, and I hope we’ll perform better than we did at the EHF Euro, where we made mistakes that we aim to correct,” emphasized Šola.

Anđelić has publicly stated he will not participate in the national team under Šola’s coaching, while Božović was not even selected and is dissatisfied with the collaboration with the Croatian coach.

“We are providing opportunities for new players, but the door remains open for anyone, including Anđelić should he reconsider,” said Šola.

Without Grbović and Lazović, who were the only pivots during the European Championship, it will now be up to Ćorsović (24), Vujović (23), and Šćekić (20) to step up.

“We have two young pivots who are here to learn what it means to be part of the national team, but that doesn’t mean they can carry the game immediately. They represent our future. With Lazović at 36 and Grbović at 33, their retirements will come sooner or later, so we need to gradually introduce new talent. The Federation and the coaching staff agree on the need to expand our player pool,” stated Šola.

At the European Championship, Miloš Vujović was an undeniable asset on the left wing, and now both Filip and Bakić will also receive opportunities, as will Vukić on the right wing.

“These two games provide an excellent chance to give more responsibility to Filip, Bakić, and Voj, allowing us to rest Miloš Vujović. He played extensively at the European Championship and continued at a high level in Germany. This is an opportunity for our younger players to showcase their talents,” Šola concluded.

What is your opinion on Anđelić’s statement?

“That’s his stance, which I respect, but I maintain that the door is open for everyone—including Anđelić, should he choose to return.”