Budućnost boosted by international flair

After a season of transition, the 2012 Women’s EHF Champions League winners have settled their team a little and added a former World Handball Player of the Year: Cristina Neagu, arriving from Romanian side Oltchim Valcea.

She arrives alongside four more players from four different foreign countries (Denmark, Poland, Russia and Croatia) to work under Dragan Adzic.

The biggest name to leave the club was Andjela Bulatovic, who transferred to Krim Ljubljana.

Although less players transferred compared to the season before, Budućnost admit that they still need some time to rehearse with their squad.

After missing out on the semi-final season, the first goal is to make it among the best eight teams.

In the group matches, Podgorica face Lublin (Poland), FTC Rail Cargo Hungaria (Hungary) and Midtjylland, with the duel with the Danish champions, which last occurred two seasons ago, being a special one for Budućnost goalkeeper and team captain Clara Woltering, who will face her former club and national teammate, goalkeeper Sabine Englert.

Woltering is optimistic regarding the upcoming season: “I believe in the new team and the new qualities we have.

“We have a lot of new teammates and it will be an interesting and hopefully successful season,” says Woltering.

Legendary player Bojana Popovic has been team manager of Budućnost for the last year and she discussed the now players she had a part in signing.

“We enter this season with a lot of new and better quality players compared to last season. All new players were chosen by Budućnost with the aim to improve.

“I think we have built a good team and I expect from all players to prove our ambitions in the Champions League. Our group is very difficult; all teams are at an equal level and are fighting for the main round.

“I hope that we will repeat the success from the last season and that we will be among the best eight teams,” concluded Popovic

Three questions to coach Dragan Adzic:

What are your expectations for the upcoming season of the Women’s EHF Champions League - concerning your objectives and your group opponents?

Dragan Adzic: This season we have a harder group than we had in the last four years, it will be quite uncertain and very equal. We are aware of the ambitions and quality of FTC and Midtjylland and we saw the progress of Polish women’s handball in the last year.

We have experience in playing against FTC and FCM and are aware knowing how difficult it will be to be ahead of those teams. Additionally we can’t underestimate MKS Lublin because they represent a quality handball country which eliminated Sweden in the recent World Championship qualification.

What does the participation in the Women’s EHF Champions League mean to you and your club?

Dragan Adzic: Our club belongs to those regular participants in the Champions League and for us it literally means everything to participate. Throughout the year we are focused only on this competition.

What teams are your personal favourites to win the Women’s EHF Champions League season – and why?

Dragan Adzic: I think that in relation to the previous couple of seasons of the competition, it will be significantly harder to proceed to the next stage. Defending champions Györ have a quality team in each segment and they are the main favourites to win.

RK Krim and Larvik, with experienced and quality squad and professional squads, increased their chances compared to last season. Vardar SCBT have an impressive line up and a lot of players who guarantee a top performance, which is a prerequisite to struggle for great results.

In my opinion, FTC have another great squad and gained experience from last season. Of course, our club always strives to the highest achievements and without injury problems we will have something to say in the final part of the season.

Budućnost (MNE)

Coach: Dragan Adzic, since 2010
Newcomers (including former club): Cristina Neagu (Oltchim Valcea), Camilla Dalby (Randers HK), Marta Žderić (RK Podravka), Byzdra Kinga (Lubin), Irina Nikitina (Lada Togliatti)
Left the Club: Jelena Trifunovic, Jelena Zivkovic (both RK Podravka), Andjela Bulatovic (RK Krim) Claudine Mendy (pregnant) Katarina Bralo destination unknown)

Qualification for the 2013/2014 EHF Women’s Champions League season: Montenegrin champions

EHF Women’s Champions League records:
Participations (including 2013/2014 season): 18
Winner: 2011/12
Semi-finalist: 1997/98, 1998/99, 1999/00, 2000/01, 2001/02, 2010/11
Main Round: 2012/13
Quarter-finals: 2002/03, 2003/04
Last 16: 1995/96
Group Phase/Champions League: 1996/97, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2007/08, 2009/10

Other EC records:
Cup Winners Cup:
2005/06, 2009/10

Montenegrin champion: 25 times (1985,1989,1990,1992-2013)
Montenegrin Cup winner: 18 times (1984,1989, 1995-1998, 2000-2002, 2005-2013)