Dragan Adžić was visibly sad because defeat of Bubućnosti against Vipers (24:19) in the first match of the Champions League quarter-finals, but he could not blame his team.
"Thank you to the audience that supported us, recognized the girls' struggle, and I have no objections to the relationship and expressed desire of any of them. The better, more complete and prepared team won. Our positional defense was good for most of the match, and the team could have respected some things better. It took us the least to defend Lunde, that decided the match. We have the second half of this double match left, I believe we can play better, although Vipers is extremely driven and plays phenomenally", said the trophy-winning coach.
In the first 25 minutes, Buducnost did not have a single shot from the pivot or from the wing.
"During that period, we did not realize what we had imagined, to play a more fluid and longer attack. It is understandable that the girls needed time to catch their breath against such a good team and top goalkeeper. We wanted to overcome all the problems, but we didn't succeed. We always play better the second game against the same rival, and we will see how much better it will be this time".
Maybe everything would have been different if Itana Grbić had not been injured in the 20th minute. The girl, who is the first left wing, and can also help in the middle back position, received a blow to the receiver in a collision with Marta Tomac, which is why she will probably miss the second leg.
"It is a very significant handicap, because her injury interrupted the transition, as well as the rotation at the position of middle back. I believe that it is not a serious injury, and for the second match we will be able to count on Branka Konatar, which will give us competition on the left wing".
Đurđina Jauković returned after a knee injury, fought as hard as she could, scored five goals, but it was felt that she took a long break.
"I am overjoyed that Džina was on the field, given the severity of the injury and how much she gave to return to this level. When healthy, she is the best left back and defender in the Champions League. This kind of opponent is looking for a better edition, but it is understandable that it was not there", concluded Adžić.
Bonus video:
