From anxiety in the barrage for the premier entry into the elite last season, to the chance to achieve the almost unimaginable in just one year - placement in the European qualifications!
This is the path that Tivat's Arsenal traveled in just ten months.
In the final of the championship, the chosen ones Radisava Dragićević they enter from the third place, which could bring Europe, while in Tivat no one doubts the historic - the first final of the Cup of Montenegro.
After the victory in the first game of the semi-final against Iskra in Danilovgrad (3:1), and a particularly fantastic game, it really takes a miracle for Arsenal to miss the Cup final and the most beautiful game that the Montenegrin club scene can offer.
Ivan Bulatović, the hero of the triumph over Iskra, not only because of the two goals scored - the first on an assist Alekse Ćetkovića, the second after a fantastic solo breakthrough and an effective shot off the crossbar, there is no doubt - Arsenal will play in Europe!
- Everything is on our side, the quality of the game, the schedule in the championship, but also the most important - togetherness! From the original goal, staying on the domestic first league stage, we have raised the bar high, but not excessively so, it is a reality. We are going for the trophy in the Cup, and placing in third place - said the 27-year-old Bulatović.
The easy victory at the Braće Velašević stadium is particularly in favor of the success of the Tivcan team.
- Honestly, we didn't expect such an open game and a draw was acceptable, but now we have a victory as a bonus, which will allow us to spend less in the second leg, but also our schedule until the end of the championship is easier compared to our rivals. Dečić, Petrovac with a great roster and excellent Jedinstvo are our competitors for the third position, but it is in our favor that we are better in each other's matches. Interestingly, it is more difficult for us against teams that are in the lower half of the table. We finally managed to celebrate against Jezera and we still need to unlock that rebus game of Rudar, who is our most unpleasant rival this season - explained Bulatović.
And it was from Rudar's football school that the football development of Ivan Bulatović from Kolašin began, who experienced real affirmation only in this season with five first league goals and assists each, and two goals in the last cup match.
- It was a good decision to go from Gorštak to study at Rudar, for which I scored about 20 goals in the younger categories. The seasons in Bokelje were also effective, and with Podgorica, Mornar and Arsenal I managed to win the status of the first league, although my contribution in Bar was not great because I had to have an operation on the meniscus of my right knee. However, the fortunate circumstance was that the anterior ligaments were not damaged, and during the recovery I significantly improved the game with my left foot - explained Bulatović.
Although he had the opportunity to complete his first hat-trick against Iskra, his header ended up over the crossbar, and he solved the mistake of the home defender in a possible chance by passing to a teammate in a better position.
- The personal result is not important at all, but the team result. We are a family, often even members of the management train with us, and the relationship between coach Radisav Dragićević and his assistant is friendly. Bož Tujković, while I am especially glad that the professional staff has been strengthened and Miloš Nikezić, with whom I successfully worked in Bokelje. The infrastructure is also being worked on and the club is progressing. And our game, along with a great atmosphere, gives us the right not to disrespect anyone, and gives us optimism for success in the Cup and the championship - concluded Bulatović.
Noticed late, but don't lose hope: The national team is a dream
The rise of Arsenal inevitably raised personal ambition along with the club's. This is not hidden by Ivan Bulatović, who is equally useful in rush hour or as a "packer" behind the attackers.
- Of course, our successes with direct competitors and favorites are a sign not only of bigger club ambitions, but also of personal ambitions. More precisely, he hopes to be called up to the national team, which is every player's dream. Of course, luck is also needed. Well, our best player Danilo Bakić passed the junior selection, but then he underwent surgery on one and then the other knee... Now he is again one of the best in the league and it is not excluded that he will make another step forward - says Bulatović, who is 27 years old, but don't lose hope.
- I wasn't noticed in the younger categories, even though I scored goals, but I don't lose hope and work to be even better and improve. Maybe from next season I will play abroad, but now it is important that we win Europe, and it is great at Arsenal. And it will get better - believes Bulatović.
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