Grbić: No one will take points easily in Podgorica; Hansen: I like the Montenegrin mentality

Everything is ready for the start of the new season in the Women's Handball Champions League. Buducnost will host Hungarian Ferencvaros on Sunday at 16 pm at SC "Morača".

Long preparations are behind the "blue and whites"...

"I believe we are ready. Since we got together, we have had a good atmosphere, great energy between the girls. All the new ones have fitted in as quickly as possible, and we old ones have helped them fit in, except for Đina Jauković who is a local here. We are looking forward to the start, we could hardly wait," said Itana Grbić at the start of yesterday's press conference.

The captain of the Montenegrin champion is aware that an exceptional rival is coming to Podgorica, but the goal is clear - to send a message that no one will take points easily in the capital of Montenegro.

"We are eagerly awaiting the start against an exceptional opponent who invests more and more every year. They are always looking to build a team for the final four. So it will certainly be a big challenge at the very beginning, but we are ready. First of all, we want to send a clear message that whoever comes to Podgorica will not find it easy to play against Buducnost and that they will have to work hard if they want any points. I believe that we will show everything we have worked on during the summer and why not take the first points right away."

Buducnost has strengthened for this season, ambitions are growing, the desire is to finally secure the knockout phase of the Champions League. Certainly the biggest reinforcement is the returnee to the "blue and white" Đurđina Jauković. Grbić has no doubt that everything will be easier because of her, but also the arrival of the rest of the reinforcements.

"It's certainly easier. I think we've strengthened as best we could and we've brought in the best left back in the Champions League, I won't be falsely modest. I'm looking forward to the two of us working together. It's easier for all of us, for the coach, for the rotation... We also have Suna Hansen, who has fit in phenomenally. She has shown through the national team that she is a top player. It's crucial that we have replacements for the players who start the game and that we are fresher and that we can maintain a high level of play throughout the match. That means more pressure because ambitions are growing. I think pressure is a privilege, but I think we should enjoy what we do most, which is playing handball."

Finally, she looked back once again at tomorrow's rival.

"An exceptional team and they have really stepped up. The coach is trying to impose a Scandinavian style. One of the biggest challenges at the very start, but it's something we love, something we've never run away from and a real test to see where we are," concluded Itana Grbić.

One of the newcomers is Faroe Islands national team player Suna Hansen.

"I'm very excited. The girls and the coaching team are very good, I have had positive experiences so far. We have trained well, everything is at a professional level. I repeat, I am very excited to be a part of this incredible team both on and off the field. This is my first season in the Champions League and I can't wait. I watched a lot of games from last season. Overall, I am very happy to be here, the girls are incredible people, but also handball players. We have a high level in training."

She easily fit into the fighting mentality of the Montenegrin girls on the team.

"In the Faroe Islands we play fast, Scandinavian handball. That's the style I come here with. I can speed up the game, run, and I'm generally combative. In the Faroe Islands we like to fight and that's one of the reasons why I came to this team because I like the fight and how we play - every goal and every game is valued. I love that mentality," concluded Suna Hansen.