Basketball players together, Škerović: I believe we will achieve another result to be proud of

One of the national teams that consistently participates in major competitions is the Montenegrin women's basketball team. Since gaining independence, the "reds" have been to the European Championships seven times in a row, and this week they are on the verge of being among the top 16 on the continent for the eighth time in a row.

And the visa for the European Championship leads through Switzerland and Luxembourg. Our selection is visiting Switzerland on Thursday (19.30), and then on Sunday (16) in Bar it welcomes Luxembourg. Montenegro and Luxembourg have three wins and a loss each, Switzerland is at half performance, while Bosnia and Herzegovina is without a win.

- We have two tough matches ahead of us, and as always, the focus is on the first match, or rather, the away match against Switzerland is the only thing on our minds. It is an extremely unpleasant opponent, whom we defeated exactly a year ago in Herceg Novi. However, regardless of that, we have to be careful and concentrated when it comes to that match - said coach Jelena Škerović at today's press conference.

Qualification for the European Championship, which will be held this summer in the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and Greece. A victory over Switzerland would secure Montenegro's participation in the Old Continent's championship.

- A win in Switzerland would mean that we have achieved our goal, because we have a better goal difference than all the teams. But we always aim to win the maximum number of points. Of course, now the focus is on the match with Switzerland - the Montenegrin coach is clear.

Unlike the previous two events, Montenegro will have a naturalized American on the team - Nataša Mack.

- We will be stronger, Mack is returning, who will mean a lot to us under the basket and that is certainly a positive side - emphasized Škerović.

Montenegro will host Luxembourg in its final match on Sunday, to which it lost 71:49 in November.

- We had a bad day and now is the opportunity to make up for it. We hope for good support against Luxembourg. To make that breakthrough with the fans. If we secure a place in Switzerland, the goal will be to beat Luxembourg - Škerović is clear.

If the goal is met, Montenegro will be at the European Championship for the eighth time in a row.

- Every time we talk, I think with all due respect to everyone, I think it's fascinating. With 18 seniors, 5-6 juniors and players from the U20 national team, we have the opportunity to win Eurobasket. We only have one player who played in the Euroleague, three in the Eurocup, six - seven are from Montenegro, while the others who play abroad do not have a big role in their team. It will not be easy in these two matches, but I certainly believe that we will achieve another result to be proud of - the coach is clear.

Škerović commented on the performance of the girls in their clubs.

- We followed all the girls throughout the season. We had problems with their minutes in clubs, while some unfortunately do not have a club. However, we have to know what our goal is, which is the European Championship. I hope we will make the most of this mini-preparation period, because we have decisive matches ahead of us. It will not be easy, but if we approach every match with fighting spirit and seriousness, we have a good chance - concluded the coach.

Jelena Škerović's list includes 16 names: Milica Jovanović (Miskolc, Hungary), Bojana Kovačević (Hapoel Petah Tikva, Israel), Jovana Pašić, (Hapoel Kfar Saba, Israel), Dragana Živković (without a club), Marija Leković (Fenerbahçe, Turkey), Sofija Živaljević (without a club), Maja Bigović (Buducnost Bemax), Zorana Radonjić (Buducnost Bemax), Milena Bigović (Buducnost Bemax), Nikolina Ilić (Buducnost Bemax), Jelena Bulajić (Buducnost Bemax), Jovana Savković (Buducnost Bemax), Janja Dragišić (Buducnost Bemax), Jelena Vučetić (without a club), Sanja Akšam (Crvena zvezda, Serbia), Nataša Mek (without a club).

The coaching staff of head coach Jelena Škerović includes Nikolina Popović, team manager, assistant coaches Aleksander Gedes, Miroslav Škara, Tanja Popivoda, fitness coach Miljan Dautović, physiotherapist Petar Stojović and doctor Jovana Maraš.