Jevtić: We have a perspective, the main goal is the 2028 European Championship.

The best Montenegrin volleyball players are preparing for the final round of the European Championship qualifiers and the final matches with Norway and the Czech Republic, which are scheduled for mid-August.

The goals and ambitions of Ivica Jevtić's team are, of course, much broader, more diverse and longer-term than the end of the current cycle in which our selection has only a theoretical chance of qualifying for Eurovolley.

Jevtić started work a little less than three months ago with a selection that was hit by a major generational change - after three consecutive placements in the continental championship, Montenegro will most likely miss the European Championship, but they will try to make the most of this "break".

And with some new guys knocking on the door these days, she can continue in 2028 where she left off last year.

Coach Jevtić already has enough material for a good analysis and assessment of expectations, even though he is only at the beginning of the journey.

"We've been together since May, the Golden League matches served to get to know each other in a way - the players with the coach, the coach with the players, to see what we have. We weren't lucky with injuries, some of them were the consequences of work, some of them were unfortunate circumstances, only Milutin Pavićević, Vukašin Cimbaljević and Luka Babić are very important players for us, not only in matches but also in the training process, which would be even better with them," says Jevtić.

Rejuvenated, decimated by injuries, as a debutant in the Golden League, Montenegro could not do better than last, 12th place and relegation.

"In addition to all that, we played against very strong teams that were expected to beat us. We expected maybe a little more, despite everything, but those matches were a welcome experience for the upcoming events," Jevtić points out.

Preparations in Kolašin for the final qualifying round are going smoothly and in a great atmosphere.

Two friendly matches with Austria are good preparation for competitive matches against the Czech Republic and Norway.

"The most important thing is that there are no additional injuries in Kolašin, everyone is together except for Luka Babić, with whom there was an agreement to play only in the Golden League. Of course, we are not giving him up for the next actions, because we need someone older to lead these young guys," Jevtić is clear.

The former player of Budućnost Podgorica has fully entered the process of generational change with the national team, which began with the previous coach.

"Ivan Joksimović initiated a generational shift and that process is now complete, all with the aim of reaching the European Championship in 2028."

Jevtić is an optimist, he believes that Montenegrin men's volleyball has good prospects.

"The guys who are now 19-20 years old will be fully prepared, and those who are now 23-24 will already be experienced players. Montenegro has promising volleyball players, and the way the OSCG is working to promote volleyball, starting from the lowest ages, gives everyone additional reason for optimism. Five or six talented players will be the backbone of the national selection in the coming period, and the extent of their achievements, and what the results will be with them, depends on many factors," says Jevtić.

Back to the present - Montenegro needs to beat the Czech Republic away, Norway at home, and match other results to sensationally qualify for the 2026 European Championship in the final round of the qualifiers.

Jevtić's team faces an almost impossible mission, but that is not something that worries the coach.

"It would be unserious to threaten the Czechs, a team that has qualified for the World Cup. That's why our goal is to play well, spend ourselves well and prepare for the match with Norway, and try to achieve a victory at the end. Because, it's not the same, due to the atmosphere and self-confidence, to end a cycle with a victory or a defeat."

The fact that Montenegro, together with Croatia and Serbia, is bidding to host the 2028 European Championship and that, if confirmed by the CEV, would have a guaranteed place in the finals, does not disrupt Jevtić's plans:

"We are absolutely focused on the work and progress of this team, and that will be the case whether we have to or not have to play in the qualifiers," concluded Jevtić.