Mirko Alilović in goal for Croatia after four years: We don't underestimate anyone, but Montenegro should be afraid of us

After a four-year absence, goalkeeper Mirko Alilović returned to the Croatian national handball team.

Before the start of the second round, Croatia has big problems with the coronavirus, the coach invited six new players, and after four years in the team there is also an experienced goalkeeper. Alilović was called up after the reserve goalkeeper, Mate Šiunjić, tested positive for the coronavirus.

"I'm here, I'm back at the coach's call. The situation is as it is, the championship is madness. The virus has been haunting us since the first day of preparations. We changed, I believe, a double-digit number of players, but I hope we'll stop there. I'm here after four years. It's difficult to build some chemistry in such a short period of time. I told the coach, I'm here, I'll come, I'll help as much as I can. That's my responsibility. My obligation is to put on this sacred jersey once more," said Alilović, reports Index.hr.

All the teams in the tournament had or still have major problems with the coronavirus.

"This is a specific situation, the selectors have no other choice. We are doing well so far, we have passed the first round. Since I live handball, I know all the players, but the question is whether they know me", Alilović added.

And he was positive.

"Physically, I feel fine. Four days after the positive test, I received a negative corona test. No symptoms, like 99 percent of cases at the moment. But all these protocols and closures make it difficult to prepare and stay, the basic things. We have to endure everything, we don't even know who will play tomorrow."

Alilović commented on Montenegro, against whom the Croats will open the second round tomorrow (15.30:XNUMX p.m.).

"Their players play in great clubs in Europe. It's a group of great individuals, they're full of confidence, they won Slovenia after an upset. They see their chance, and we have to be careful, analyze them, but of course - we're Croatia, we don't need anyone to underestimate, but they also need to fear us in some way.