Just three days after the Montenegrin handball team concluded a remarkable run at the World Championship, the “lions” are set to regroup. Head coach Vlado Šola will hold the first roll call today as the team begins preparations for the EHF Euro in Germany, commencing on January 10.

At the initial training session in the “Voco” hotel hall, the Croatian coach expects to have 10 out of the 21 listed players available—specifically, goalkeepers and players including Filip Borozan, wings Aleksandar Bakić, Mirko Radović, and Luka Radović, pivots Nemanja Grbović and Miodrag Ćorsović, as well as backs Bož Anđelić, Stevan Vujović, Vasilija Kaluđerović and returning player Vuka Borozan.

Making a comeback after a six-and-a-half-year hiatus, one of the world’s best defenders rejoins the national squad.

– I’m not sure why Vuka hasn’t been around previously, but I’m not concerned as that’s in the past. He wasn’t present, and I didn’t have the details. His performances in the Lovćen European League showcased his quality, indicating he could significantly contribute to our team. I reached out to him; he agreed to participate. He possesses world-class defensive skills that can enhance our team both defensively and offensively – Šola shared with “Vijesti”.

Following the conclusion of their club obligations, the remaining 11 players vying for spots on the European Championship roster will join their teammates by year-end. Fortunately, the Bundesliga’s first phase concludes earlier this year, meaning Nebojsa Simic, Branko Vujović, Miloš Vujović, and Stefan Čavor, as well as Miloš Božović from French Ivry, will be available from this weekend. Lastly, the goalkeeper from Sweden, Nikola Matović, will arrive last due to a game on December 29, allowing ample time for the seasoned Croatian goalkeeper to instill his desired playing style, which was challenging during previous gatherings.

– The paramount task is for the players to leave their mark, hitting a collective win. We’ve demonstrated our intent to play faster handball focused on quick transitions, and we didn’t delve deeply into the new defense setup during our friendly against Romania, due to insufficient acclimatization time. Each coach has a unique vision and style of play. My assistant and I aim to adopt a quicker playing style, and I see that the players are embracing it. There appears to be no reluctance, and I am hopeful we’ll have adequate time to implement everything effectively – emphasized Šola.

On December 29, Montenegro will face North Macedonia in Stara Pazova, with a tournament planned in Poreč on January 4 and 5, featuring Croatia and Slovenia. The “lions” will have their first match in group C against Hungary on January 12 in Munich, followed by Iceland on January 14 and Serbia on January 16. Advancing to the main round is achievable for the two top teams, and the lions are optimistic about replicating their prior success from two years ago.

– It’s challenging to speculate about it, yet our main focus is solely on the opening match against Hungary. We’re determined to execute our preparations effectively, keeping our sights on that match. Naturally, our aim is to progress beyond the group stage, but at this moment, our total concentration is on the match ahead, not the others – concluded Šola.

We Must Guard Against the Flu

Božo Anđelić returns to the national team for the first time since the April qualifications, having been absent due to not being attached to a club. He has since signed with Hungarian PLER and is performing admirably.

– Each player on the roster brings specific qualities and roles in the national setup, but we will have to make cuts from the initial 21-player list, as we’ll take only 16 players and two reserves. I’m pleased Božo is playing well, and as we progress through preparations, we will assess each player’s condition and assimilation of our plans. That evaluation will determine who makes the final 16. Fortunately, all players are in competitive shape and healthy – noted Šola.

The Croatian coach also expressed hopes that the national team will steer clear of injuries and illness during training.

– It’s essential we manage this risk, as it reflects our professionalism. If illness occurs, it might jeopardize our objectives. Such small issues can be costly.

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