FIRST-HAND INSIGHT: Secret Spanish ingredients, replacements rising to the challenge and lowered expectations – we look at the reasons HC Vardar appear to be as strong as ever.
Six reasons why Vardar continue to impress in this season
Before the start of the VELUX EHF Champions League season, many were sceptical about the ‘new Vardar’ and how far they can go. The best answer that reflects the Macedonian side’s start to the season was given by ehfTV.com commentator Tom O Brannagain, who recently tweeted the following:
The former Champions League winners could not imagine a better start to the season. For the fifth season in a row, they opened with three big victories, which brings them to the top of Group A.
Just before the Match of the Week against Rhein-Neckar Löwen on Saturday, we look at the main reasons Vardar continue to impress this season.
Parrondo and the special Spanish ingredient
It is a proven fact that Spanish coaches have a unique style, and the last few seasons have revealed that they are the ones with the secret recipe to lead Vardar to big achievements.
Roberto Garcia Parrondo has big shoes to fill after the departure of several players and former coach Raul Gonzales. Nonetheless, Parrondo has demonstrated that his in-depth tactical approach is highly effective when it comes to match preparation and analysis of the opponents’ weakest links.
One of the main aspects of the Spanish team culture is that they pay attention to teamwork – not only in handball, but in all team sports. Spaniards know how to integrate players into teams and Parrondo has done just that in a very short period.
Milosavljev – new shining star
He may not be Arpad Sterbik yet, but young Serbian goalkeeper Dejan Milosavljev could not have dreamed of a better debut in the VELUX Champions League.
The burden was on his side this season, as he replaced one of the preeminent goalkeepers in the history of handball in what seemed like a ‘mission impossible’, but the 22-year-old demonstrated stability and made spectacular saves to benefit his team.
With his performances so far, Milosavljev has already become a new favourite player among the ‘red and black’ fans. It is no surprise that he was voted best goalkeeper of the SEHA League for September.
Ever-present team spirit despite many departures
One of the toughest challenges is to keep team cohesion after being forced to replace key players. The new head coach had to cope with the departures of Arpad Sterbik, Luka Cindric, Mijajlo Marsenic, Ilija Abutovic, Joan Canellas and Jorge Maqueda,.
Having these changes in mind, on paper, Vardar’s roster is a bit weaker than last season. But what Parrondo’s squad demonstrates on court is completely different, thanks to the unique team spirit which engages the players and the atmosphere in the locker room.
Brazilian giant Moraes successfully replacing team captain Stoilov
At the very beginning of the season, the Macedonian champions encountered two injuries, which took Sergei Gorbok and team captain Stojanche Stoilov off the court. While Gorbok will miss the entire season, Stoilov will be out only for the first part.
These injuries were also one of the causes for handball fans to consider Vardar an ‘outdated favourite’ in the VELUX EHF Champions League.
Of course, this caused headaches for Parrondo, but luckily for the Macedonian side, Brazilian line player Moraes was unstoppable from the six-metre line in both offence and defence, successfully covering the absence of the captain Stoilov.
Underestimated following high-profile departures
The VELUX EHF Champions League placed Vardar in tough Group A with big name opponents like Montpellier, Veszprém, Kielce and Löwen.
Considering the strong group competition, the Macedonian champions faced a certain level of underestimation from their group opponents, which gave them a chance to perform even better.
And yes, this was the reason Vardar brought the defending Champions League winners to their knees and how they won against Veszprém in their home arena for the first time.
Playing without pressure
An additional reason for the three from three winning record is the lowered expectations from domestic fans. Many assumed that, as Vardar are beginning a new era, it would be difficult for the rejuvenated team to shine and repeat the achievements for the last seasons.
This meant less pressure for the former Champions League winners, but their start to the season promises that once more, Vardar are aiming high as their fans warn the competition “be careful: Vardar march again.”
TEXT:
Amina Idrizi / cg