Vujovic returns to Zagreb to replace Tamse

Despite a strong finish to last season, where they reached the SEHA League final and defended the domestic double, HC PPD Zagreb have parted ways with head coach Branko Tamse on Tuesday. He will be replaced by a familiar face in the Croatian capital - Veselin Vujovic.

Two opening defeats in the VELUX EHF Champions League sent a clear signal to the Zagreb hierarchy that changes are necessary. Slovenian tactician Tamse has left the Croatian powerhouse after only 263 days in charge, having took over in January.

Zagreb have not wasted any time to fill the vacancy, with the right man for the job already identified. Having signed a three-year contrast, Vujovic will return to the club, to finish what he started back in 2014.

“Zagreb is one of very few clubs that could change my decision,” says Vujovic, who is also Slovenia's national team coach and who earlier announced that he would be without a club until the EHF EURO 2020. “I have rejected several offers, from Egypt, Poland and Romania, but when Zagreb came up with a proposal, we have easily struck a deal.”

Vujovic’s first match on the Zagreb bench will be at home against Barça on Saturday at 20:30 CET (live on ehfTV.com).

“I know the situation is difficult, but I believe that lending a hand in difficult moments is a lot more valuable than in good times,” says Vujovic, who is confident Zagreb will make the Last 16. “I do not feel the situation is a disaster. I feel we have a realistic chance to go through.”

Back to finish the job

Since his departure from Zagreb in 2016, Vujovic has had mixed success with the likes of RD Koper and Zeleznicar 1949. Meanwhile, his work with the Slovenia national team saw his long-term vision materialise with a World Championship bronze medal in 2017. 

Zagreb will be hoping to reap benefits from the ‘Vujo effect’ as early in the season as possible. The temperamental Montenegrin tactician is known for his passion-fuelled approach and knowledge of the game.

Vujovic will have high demands from his squad from day one, bringing vast experience, coupled with excellent motivational skills, as well as creativity and flair – signature traits from his playing days.

His previous tenure at Zagreb, brought some of the best performances from the Croatian giants in the past decade, against the likes of Barcelona, THW Kiel and Rhein-Neckar Löwen.

“There are big clubs on our way, but Zagreb have a huge potential," Vujovic says. "Our stance is that no team will be considered favourites at Arena Zagreb, regardless of their name and stature. That is my logic and I will try to instill that onto the team. I am honoured and pleased to be coaching Zagreb again.”

A reliable, battle-hardened defence as the foundation

Zagreb fans can expect Vujovic to build a reliable, battle-hardened defence as the foundation of his high-intensity game, this time around as well.

The game-plan will be frugal at times, reliant on his team’s experience and ability to control the tempo. Himself a legendary left back Vujovic, will quickly look to establish the in-form backcourt partnership, finding versatile roles for different players within his system.

Vujovic is also known for this creative use of the line player, at the heart of his system with plenty of rotation.

At Zagreb, Vujovic will have a plethora of young talent at his disposal to develop his vision.