"The Montenegrin men's handball team must be at its maximum level in every match if it wants to achieve its goal at the European Championship," said right winger Luka Radović.
Montenegrin handball players in Podgorica are preparing for their eighth participation in the European Championship, which will be played in Sweden, Denmark and Norway from January 15th.
At the continental competition, they will compete in Group D with the teams of Slovenia, the Faroe Islands and Switzerland.
The two best teams from the group will advance to the main round.
Our team will appear at the European Championship weakened, as coach Didije Dinar will not be able to count on goalkeepers Nebojša Simić and Nikola Matović, as well as left winger Aleksandar Bakić, who will not be in the team due to health reasons.
Radović said that the group is evenly matched, but that Montenegro has a chance against all rivals.
He emphasized that the first phase of preparations has been completed, in which the focus was on physical preparation.
"We are currently in the phase of watching the opponent and preparing the attack and defense for the opponent. Regarding the current situation in the team, we have entered 2026 very positively and we hope to play the European Championship in the best possible way," said Radović.
According to him, Montenegro is in an even group, in which anyone can advance, but also be eliminated.
"So we see a chance to advance to the second phase, but for that we have to make an effort and show ourselves in the best light in all three games," said Radović.
Pivot Miodrag Ćorsović said that there has never been more time to work, but that there is a great atmosphere in the team.
"I think that in this group, everyone can beat everyone. We can comfortably have three wins, but also three losses. I expect the entire group to be like that and that all the games will be uncertain, that they will be played on one ball. We are trying to prepare as best as possible and to get along," said Ćorsović.
He emphasized that Slovenia is the favorite, despite numerous personnel problems.
"Slovenia is a truly fantastic team with a large number of quality players on the roster, so they can replace the absences of one, two or three players. However, we see our chance, both against Slovenia and against any other team. We will go for victory in every game, of course, so we will see how the situation develops," said Ćorsović.
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