Vardar goalkeeper Milosavljev shines on debut

The season opening brought a superb clash between the two most recent winners of the VELUX EHF Champions League in which HC Vardar won their away clash 27:24 against current title holders Montpellier HB.

Due to huge roster changes for the Macedonian champions, the home side were considered favourites in this match, but new coach Roberto Garcia Parrondo and his team proved their ambitions have not been lowered and deserve their place among Europe’s elite.

Vardar’s 22-year-old goalkeeper, Dejan Milosavljev produced some breathtaking saves and was the hero for the Macedonian squad.

Milosavljev spoke to ehfCL.com about his reaction to his debut victory in Europe’s elite club competition.

You had big shoes to fill in after Arpad Sterbik left Vardar, was this an additional pressure for you ahead of the start of the season?

I am very happy that this season I am wearing the red and black of Vardar and succeeded such a big name in handball.

A great plus is that I am getting great support from the entire squad as well as the goalkeeper coach Dejan Peric. This makes me feel very good and I do not feel any pressure at all. I believe that this great start promises more great performances in the upcoming matches.

What is your reaction to beating the defending champions in your first game?

We could not have imagined a better start of the Champions League. I am very happy that we won against the defending champions on their court and satisfied that I was able to contribute in this achievement.

What advice did you get from the coach ahead of the match?

I got advice from goalkeeper coach Dejan Peric to do what I know and believe in what I have prepared, so everything will turn out well at the end of the match.

Was the standout moment of the game your triple-save?

For me the most important saves of the match were those ones in the last 10 minutes. However, I also think also that the triple-save was very good because I felt that it gave the players confidence that I can help them in this game.

How did the team react to your performance and the victory?

We were all happy after the victory because we prepared hard for the start of the Champions League. I can only say great words for everyone in the team because I got lot of advice and support from their side in every manner.

Everybody in Europe speaks about the atmosphere in Skopje. Are you excited to play your first European match in the Jane Sandanski arena? 

I am very excited and I cannot even imagine until I feel it for myself. The rest of the players are saying that you cannot hear your own thoughts in the amazing atmosphere.

I cannot wait for the first match at home and I hope that we will justify all expectations of the Vardar and Macedonian fans.

Photo credit: Kevin Domas