After a three-year break, Nikoleta Perović is once again part of the Montenegrin women's national volleyball team.
Jovo Caković's team is preparing in Podgorica for their premiere appearance in the Golden League, a competition that will serve as a good overture to the main goal of this summer, the continuation of the European Championship qualifications and the realization of their dream - qualifying for the continental championship.
"After a long time, I am part of the national team again, the impressions are very good, the team is rejuvenated, the coaching staff is new. There is a healthy and working atmosphere and I am looking forward to the coming period. Preparations are going well, the atmosphere is excellent and we are all maximally dedicated to work. Progress is visible day by day, we are getting into shape and motivation is at a high level. We can't wait for new challenges," Nikoleta tells odbojka.me.
The experienced proofreader is back shoulder to shoulder with her teammates, and her return comes at the right time, ahead of her debut appearance in the biggest competition the women's senior national team has ever participated in.
"The Golden League is a step forward and a fantastic opportunity for us to compete with the best national teams. The first tournament is here in Podgorica. We have the opportunity to open it in front of our audience, on our home field, and that will definitely mean a lot to us, because I hope we will start with victories. I want to emphasize that in the Golden League we are a young national team, but we are not just participants, but we will do our best and compete with the best national teams."
Twenty days of preparation before the first tournament is enough time for the new generation of volleyball players to adjust to the working conditions of the new coach Jovo Caković, who took over the team with clear goals and great energy. Nikoleta Perović reveals what this cooperation looks like from the perspective of one of the most experienced members of the team and what her first impressions are.
"The new coaching staff, led by coach Caković, is the right choice for the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro. It is a great honor and pleasure for me to work with all of them, and the same goes for the young players. As an experienced player, I am learning every day, and it will mean a lot to the younger players in the continuation of their careers because the coach is very detailed, thorough and ready to work."
Our volleyball team will open their Golden League campaign on home turf - in the "Verde" hall, and their opponents will be the teams of Spain and Ukraine. The first tournament will be played from May 30 to June 1, organized by the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro.
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