Jovanović: "Full focus on Krim"

Only one point from their last two duels, but still the Romanian champions Oltchim are in a favourable position to qualify for the Top4 in the EHF Champions League.

Against Slovenian Krim, the hosts need at least a draw to take them through to the Main Round. Oltchim´s Montenegrin left-back Marija Jovanović is showing great form in her first season abroad at the Romanian champions, and the 26-year-old was the top scorer in her side´s last round match against Metz.

Jovanović tells us about her first season in Ramnicu Vâlcea, Oltchim´s Main Round results so far, and the upcoming decisive game against Krim.  

ehfCL.com: You played a very tough match in Metz where you tied in a great thriller. Does this draw mean a dropped point against the bottom team of the group or one more important point towards semi-final qualification?

Marija Jovanović: That match was really important for us, because of the points that we needed. On the other hand Metz played for their audience, and without pressure. We lost a point which we should not have lost, but now the most important thing is to concentrate on the next match.

ehfCL.com: Next weekend against Krim you can fulfill an important goal, namely, semi-final qualification. Do you await a tough match against the Slovenians? What could be decisive in your opinion?

Marija Jovanović: Krim still have a chance of the semi-finals and I expect a very tough match. For sure they will give their utmost to win because that is their only option. So it will be very tough match with great desire to win on both sides. 

Luckily for us, we’re playing at home, where our fans will be the additional player on our side. The match will be decided by the greater desire and fighting spirit of one team, because this match will be won by the team and not by individuals.

ehfCL.com: Oltchim have only earned one point in their last two matches, and on home turf you clearly lost against Budućnost. How do you cope with this ongoing fluctuation and how is the mood among the players before the crucial match against Krim?

Marija Jovanović: This defeat was very painful, especially with that margin and in front of our fans. In my opinion it was our worst game of the season, while Budućnost played their best game. 

Despite some ups and downs, we are aware of our strength and we will not forget what our main objective is. This is our game of the season and you can count that every player will give her absolute maximum for such an important match.

ehfCL.com: With Budućnost, you´ll face the number one ranked team in the group in the last round. Will you be 'on fire' to take revenge for the home defeat against your former club, and how will it be for you to return to Podgorica?

Marija Jovanović: First of all I want to be focused on the next match, which is very important for us. Afterwards I will think about our next opponent – Budućnost. 

For sure I will be happy to play once again in the hall where I played so many times and in front of fans who always meant a lot to me. I have a clear vision of how this will all look like, and I'm sure this experience will bring a complete range of emotions for me.

ehfCL.com: It is your first season abroad, so how are you doing in Ramnicu Vâlcea so far, and how is communication going on with your team-mates?

Marija Jovanović: As a professional, I’m aware of what my job is and what I enjoy doing. The girls are great here and I also feel great. When it comes to the game there is always room to fit more in, and to adapt better, but I can say that as time goes by, everything is looking better and better. All in all I am very satisfied and happy to be here.

ehfCL.com: In the semi-final, most possibly, Győri Audi ETO will await you. Have you followed their games so far, and what´s your personal impression of the Hungarians?

Marija Jovanović: We had the chance to play against Győr in preparation tournaments at the beginning of the season. They changed their coach and it’s obviously had a good influence on the team since they are in great form. But I don’t want to talk about Győri Audi ETO. I don’t think about them and for now they have no interest for me whatsoever. Our sole focus now is Krim and Sunday's match.