Since January 28, 2017, when they were defeated by Ferencvaros (25:28), Metz played in front of their fans 35 times. He won 33 matches, among others he defeated Đer, ĆSM Bucharest, Vardar (twice) and Budućnost, drawing once and losing once.
But then he won and celebrated the most, because in the second leg of the playoff final of the French championship against Brest, he was defeated 26:24, after winning away from home with four points (29:25).
All this speaks volumes for how difficult a task awaits the handball players of Budućnosti in today's showdown in "Arena Metz" (17 p.m.). They will collide with a team that has nine wins this season and a draw last week away to Odense, with a goal difference of plus 94. And to make matters worse, Dragan Adžić's team had a desperate prelude to the Group A derby, as they were sensationally defeated eight days ago away to Larvik.
It would be said that everything is going in favor of Metz, that Buducnost can hardly avoid the fate of the last two away games in the north-east of France, and the girl who connects the two clubs points out that the French women are now stronger than before. It is Marina Rajčić, who won three league titles and one French Cup with Metz in the previous three seasons, before returning to her parent club this summer.
- The match is much better than in the previous three seasons, because previously the game was based on Anna Gros and shots from nine meters. Now there are finters in every back position, who can reach six meters. There is almost the entire French national team, which is preparing for the European Championship. It will be a great atmosphere, the host will have an eighth player, but we have to respond in the right way. A victory against such a team would give us wings, and we would not fall even if we lost, because we know what kind of team we are playing against - stressed the goalkeeper of Budućnosti.
Podgorica women are not in the right shape, which was seen in Larvik...
- The day after the defeat in Norway, we forgot what was happening and concentrated on Metz. We know that thinking too much about Larvik would get us nowhere, because we know why we lost. Concentration and mental preparation were a problem for us, against Metz we need much more focus, energy and enthusiasm - adds Rajčićeva.
The first goalkeeper of the national team of Montenegro was an actress in all six matches between Budućnosti and Metz in this decade. She played the first two in the Budućnosti jersey, and the last four for the club from the city she returns to today.
- It was unusual for me when I played against Buducnosti, now I have the same feeling. I didn't think about how they would welcome me, but the French fans love me and I am convinced that they will greet me nicely. I can't wait to go out in front of them - concluded Rajčić.
Jauković: The team has holes in the defense, we know what they are
In the duel with the leader of group A, the greatest asset of Budućnost could be Đurđina Jauković. The bombardier from Nikšić has not found the right rhythm yet, maybe today's match will be a turning point for her.
- We are expecting a tough match, because Metz has been undefeated on their home field for a long time. We have the experience of playing with him last and the season before last, I don't think he can surprise us with anything. She plays faster and better handball than last season, because now there is no Gross and there are faster defenders, who go for feints, which is less convenient for us, but we have prepared for it - said the 21-year-old Nikšić woman.
Why did you play badly in Norway? You seem to have a cramp when you should be kicking.
- When I go for a goal, I don't think about whether I will score it, whether I will kick it or not. I know why I was not good in the game against Larvik, I will do my best to correct it.
Do French women have weak points?
- They have an excellent midfield defense, but they are a little weaker on the "two" and "five". The right back plays the last one in defense, and the winger on the "two", while on the "five" is Zadi, who is not the best defensively. They have holes, we have analyzed that and we will try to attack them right there.
Did you and Katarina Bulatović find a solution to break through them?
- Yes, but we won't reveal it. You'll see at the game.
Bonus video:
