The preparations of the OTP Group Buducnost handball team for the new EHF Champions League season, which begins on the first weekend of September, are going well, there is a great atmosphere in the team, and the reinforcements that have arrived have fitted well into the work system.
That was the message of the new captain of OTP Group Budućnost Itana Grbić in an interview with the club's official website, after Bojana Popović's team continued preparations for the new season in Podgorica, after a ten-day stay in Pljevlja, where they completed the introductory part.
Grbić, who returned to her hometown after four seasons, points out that OTP Group Budućnost will represent a blend of youth and experience in the new season of the highest quality competition in Europe, with the expectation that the "blues" can take a step forward in the new season and qualify for the elimination round of the Champions League.
OTP Group Budućnost will open the new season in the EHF Champions League, the 30th in the highest quality competition on the Old Continent, on September 6/7 against the Hungarian Debrecen in Podgorica.
Apart from Debrecen, Bojana Popović's rivals will be Norwegian Storhamar, French Metz, Hungarian Győr, German Borussia Dortmund, Danish Esbjerg and Romanian Gloria Bistrica.
In the group stage, the teams will be divided into two groups of eight teams each.
The top two teams will advance to the quarterfinals, while the teams ranked third through sixth will play in the round of 16.
How would you rate the first part of the preparations that has been completed and how satisfied are you with what the team has done so far?
- I am satisfied with the approach, energy and atmosphere that has prevailed in the team since the first day of preparations. I am especially pleased that every girl gives her maximum at every training session. We have healthy competition, we work well, and I believe that the way we train is the way we will play. It means a lot to me that we support each other, listen to each other and function as a team. I hope that this spirit will remain present in the rest of the preparations.
After four years abroad, you returned to your hometown club. How do you view Buducnost today and what was the key motivation for your return?
- After four seasons spent abroad, I decided to return home with a clear goal – to put Buducnost back where it belongs, among the best in Europe. I believe that this season we can take a step forward and qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League. Today, Buducnost is a great blend of youth and experience. There are a few more experienced players here who will do everything they can to help young talents and pass on what we have learned. I believe that this generation has a bright future.
You will be wearing the captain's armband in the new season. What does that responsibility mean to you and how do you see your role in leading the team?
- The captain's armband represents the most beautiful, but also the most responsible challenge for me. As someone who grew up in Buducnost, a child of this club and city, I have always dreamed of it. I am aware of the weight of this role, but if I were not ready for this responsibility, I would not have accepted it. I have spent seven of the last ten years abroad, working with top coaches and playing side by side with great players. I believe that I can use this experience to help the team and especially my younger teammates.
The first test matches await you from August 12th. How important are these matches for further team development and what are the key things you will work on in the rest of the preparations?
- Test matches are extremely important because they give us the opportunity to try things that cannot be fully simulated in training. Our focus is on reaching a competitive rhythm, getting into the game and restoring the recognizable solidity in defense, which has always been Buducnost's strength. Through these matches, we will clearly see which segments we need to work on further in order to be ready for the start of the Champions League.
Besides you, Senegal national team pivot Ava N'Diaj and Polish national team left winger Dagmara Nocunj have also arrived at Buducnost as reinforcements. How do you see the quality of this squad and what can fans expect in the season ahead?
- I am delighted with the arrival of N'Diaj, with whom I played last season in Crimea, as well as Nocunj. From the first training session they showed professionalism, dedication and desire to be part of this story. They have fitted in nicely with the team and I believe that the club has really hit the mark with their reinforcements this time. Our fans, as always, can expect a fight in every match, and we will do our best to make them happy by advancing to the next stage of the competition. Their support will be an additional strength for us.
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