From the special reporter "Vijesti"
Before the start of the Olympic Games, it was believed that the water polo tournament in Paris was stronger than ever, and the events in the group in which the Montenegrin national team was included not only confirmed but also exceeded those expectations.
There was everything - Croatia, for example, defeated Montenegro and Greece, but lost smoothly to Italy and the United States of America. After two defeats and not very convincing editions (against Italy and Greece), the USA outclassed Montenegro and Croatia, while the Italians suffered their only defeat in the group in the last round against Helena.
It was a group in which simply nothing could be predicted, in which everyone beat everyone - the only team that was left with nothing in such a ratio of strength and quality was the "Sharks". In a group where mistakes pay dearly, there seem to have been too many of them.
Team Vladimir Gojković had four defeats, two of which were unlucky and by five points, but luck is also a relative thing, it has to be earned, so our national team must know that it lost all the games because it was at least by a shade (the exception is the duel with the "Yankees ” when he was outplayed in every sense) in moments when he was a weaker rival in the swimming pool of the "Aquatic Center".
Even after four and a half years, Montenegro was not able to win a medal, since then it has not even reached the semi-finals of the biggest competitions, and whether it will start the next Olympic cycle with the same coach - that is a question that will be resolved perhaps already this week or next.
"EVERYTHING WILL BE KNOWN IN THE NEXT DAYS"
Namely, Vladimir Gojković's contract expires at the end of the Olympic Games. There is not much speculation, and what can be heard leads to the conclusion that he will leave this position after nine years. He took over the selection in August 2015, on his debut (January 2016) the European silver won in Belgrade, and four years later the bronze from the European Championship (Budapest). He also has two titles in the World League...
- My communication with people from the Alliance is excellent and we will talk in the coming days. Now the situation is a little different because our president is undergoing treatment in Turkey, but we will make a decision and announce it - said Gojković.
When asked what his desire is when it comes to continuing his career, he answered in his own style:
- I have never expressed my desire before having a conversation with the leading people in the Alliance, with whom I have had exceptional cooperation all these years. So I will wait to talk to them first - said Gojković.
TEŠANOVIĆ: IT HAS NEVER BEEN EQUAL LIKE THIS
Captain Petar Tesanovic played the role of second goalkeeper in Paris, he defended only in duels with Greece and Romania, although he also Dejan Lazović showed that he is still one of the best netminders in the world.
- Things in world water polo have never been this equal and uncertain. Nine or 10 national teams know that they have a chance, that everyone can beat everyone. Quality, longer rotation, head - all this plays a role in crucial moments - pointed out Tešanović.
The reality is like that, some will say it's harsh, but Montenegro is no longer a water polo elite. It has not been a long time ago, but it is confirmed from summer to summer and from competition to competition.
- No one wanted us to finish the performance in Paris in the group and be ninth. We could do better, that's for sure. We prepared for the complete Olympic cycle, trained for several months every summer, but other national teams that invest a lot in water polo did the same. For the Americans, for example, it's back now, but I'm sure we'll continue to be competitive in the future. We all have to do everything to make it so - pointed out Tešanović.
Bonus video:
