Nikola Masoničić is the fifth coach of Montenegrin volleyball players in the independent state, after Vladimir Milačić (twice), the Turk Nejat Sančak, Vladimir Racković and the Serbian expert Dragan Nešić.
The Galeb coach, with whom he has won two Montenegrin Cups (2016, 2018), was an assistant to the previous coach, Nešić, who left by mutual consent in September.
"I was a little surprised by all this, but I'm glad that the people from the alliance trusted me and recognized in me someone who could perform such a responsible function," Masoničić told "Vijesti".
"I use the opportunity to thank Dragan Nešić, with whom I had excellent cooperation in the previous two years and from whom I learned a lot during that period - adds Masoničić, who won a gold medal at the Balkan Championship this summer as a cadet selection coach.
OSCG did not announce how long the engagement of the new coach will last, as is usual, but the explanation is simple.
"For now, the agreement is to finish the qualifications, and after that we will talk and hopefully continue the cooperation to mutual satisfaction".
At 31 years old, Masoničić is the youngest coach in the history of Montenegrin volleyball teams.
"I didn't think about it, but if so, I'm glad. I think I have enough knowledge and experience to perform such a responsible position," Masoničić believes in himself.
After four rounds of qualification for the EP, Montenegro is third in the group (two wins against Norway, a defeat each against Greece and Ukraine), and is still, theoretically, in the game for placement at the EP, but our ladies need a win in Ukraine in January and triumph at home against Greece.
"I am aware that we are in a difficult situation, that we have two difficult matches against Ukraine and Greece, that we are not the favorites, but we will try to prepare as well as possible and if the opportunity arises, we will take advantage of it. In the coming period, I will hold talks with the players and after that I will make a decision about the roster. I think there won't be any big changes and cuts, it is important that all the players are healthy and play in their clubs," concluded Masoničić.
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