Caković: There are no easy groups in the championship; Perović: Every game is an opportunity to prove yourself

The Montenegrin women's volleyball team has been drawn into one of the toughest groups of the 2026 European Championship. Jovo Caković's team will play in Group D in Gothenburg, with hosts Sweden, Olympic and world champions Italy, as well as France, Slovakia and Croatia. Coach Caković, commenting on the rivals, stressed that his team's participation in the biggest volleyball event in Europe will be a challenge and an experience of all time.

"We found ourselves in a difficult group, but the others are also full of quality teams and it is certain that there will be no easy ones in the championship. For us, it is special that we found ourselves in the final tournament and that we will have the opportunity to show ourselves on the biggest stage. Objectively, we can play with several teams, whose quality we were able to get to know through the European League. We know Slovakia well, during the spring we were able to see Sweden in action and in the final four of the Golden League. The most important thing is that the girls welcome the championship healthy and in good shape, to play in their clubs and to gather in the strongest possible squad," said Caković.

For the most experienced member of the national team, captain Nikoleta Perović, going to the European Championship after a long career in the national team is the crowning glory of her career.

"The group is really demanding - Italy is the world champion, France is a very high-quality team, as well as Sweden, which has Isabella Hack, one of the best correctors in the world. However, every match is an opportunity to show character and team spirit. We are aware of the challenges, but also of our strengths. We will do our best to represent Montenegro in the best way," our corrector looks forward to the coming summer.

The fourth edition of EuroVolley with 24 teams, the 34th in history, will be played from August 21 to September 6, and in addition to Gothenburg and Sweden, Istanbul, Brno and Baku will host the event. Montenegro will be the only debutant team, Turkey is defending the gold medal, and the other medals in 2023 were won by the teams of Serbia and the Netherlands.