After missing out on the Olympic Games this summer, following 17 consecutive major competitions, Montenegrin handball players are set to return to the grand stage in just over a month—with a new coach and the ambition to be as formidable as ever.

Currently, the Lionesses are completing their second EHF week under the guidance of Suzana Lazović, with their sights already set on the European Championship, taking place in Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary starting November 28.

– The national team looks fantastic to me; there’s a positive atmosphere. Key players have returned, and I believe we can be competitive at the European Championship – stated Diana Mugoš, Montenegro’s left wing.

At the Euros, in the group to be played in Debrecen, Suzana Lazović’s team will face Serbia, Romania, and the Czech Republic.

– We have drawn one of the toughest groups at the European Championship, but I believe our opponents should be concerned about us. We need to adopt the mindset that it will be far more challenging for them than for us – Matea Pletikosic, center back for our national team, clarified.

Dijana Mugoša echoes her sentiments…

– While it’s a challenging group, when we play with our true energy, which all of Montenegro understands, very few teams can defeat us. I’m optimistic; we’ve regained several key players, and we can achieve a strong performance.

The first match against a painful Ulm

Tomorrow (Friday) marks the “lionesses'” first test ahead of the European Championship against Croatia, which will also be Suzana Lazović’s debut as coach, following their disappointing qualification experience for the Olympic Games in April in Ulm.

– We’re eagerly anticipating that game; it’s been a while since we’ve had a test with the new coach. This is a positive shift for me, and during the previous week, we’ve implemented some new strategies while retaining our effective ones – highlighted Dijana Mugoša.

Unlike the pre-Olympic tournament, Montenegro is much stronger now with the return of Đurđina Jauković, Milena Raičević, Katarina Dzaferovic, and others…

– This is a crucial aspect, and I hope that by the time the European Championship arrives, we will all be in optimal shape and cohesive as a team – the left wing of Montenegro expressed her hopes.

Defensive Strategy

Since Suzana Lazović assumed the coaching position in 2012, defense has been recognized as Montenegro’s hallmark, an area in which the new coach excels.

– We need to restore our former defensive strength to make it challenging for everyone to play against us. That’s where our primary focus lies with the new coach – Matea Pletikosić confirmed.

The test match against Croatia will be a private event, taking place in the small town of Prelog.

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