Bojana Popović: Too much defensive charge in the first half; Itana Grbić: It was more difficult than in Ljubljana

Two matches, two victories over Slovenia - the Lionesses have plenty of reasons to be satisfied at the end of the EHF Euro Cup.

Tonight in Podgorica, Montenegro won 34:30, after four days ago in Ljubljana, it was better 33:28 than the selection against which it recently convincingly lost at the World Championship (28:18).

Bojana Popović's girls came to victory with a convincing game in the second half, in which they turned minus three (15:18) into a lead, which went up to eight points.

"In the first half, we had too much defensive charge, we went out on who we needed and who we didn't need, and left the pivot free. In the second, we solved it and everything was better", said head coach Popović.

"In the first half, the defense didn't work, and everything is moving for us from the defense, the focus was also not like in the first match. At halftime we agreed on how to play, we respected everything and turned it around. I am very satisfied, especially because of the first match in which Slovenia was the strongest team. However, it was even more difficult to play against this team. But we managed to solve it, we are satisfied, we have good energy in the team", said Itana Grbić.

The European Championship is only in November, Montenegro hosts one group. There is plenty of time, there will not be many checks, and expectations are high.

"Through these matches, we raise the form of the players, and find new positions for some of them in the team. They should accept those roles and enjoy being in the national team. There is a long way to go before the European Championship, the most important thing is to be healthy. We will practice, rotate and I believe - produce results," said Popović.