23.09.2009, 11:30
Vujovic targets Last 16 with Vardar

The coach of Vardar pro puts the emphasis on home victories in a very strong CL group.

Vujovic targets Last 16 with Vardar

Though he seems very optimistic, but coach Veselin Vujovic is hoping that his team is ready to face the challenges. Vardar would be the first team of FYR Macedonia to advance from a men’s CL group.

Vardar pro made five points in 2007/08 in their group against Leon, Zagreb and Kadetten. The red and black squad came in only fourth in the group with such a good performance.

This season, Kiel, Kolding, Barcelona, Ademar and Amicitia will visit Skopje in Group D.

Eurohandball.com: What is your primary target in the CL?

Veselin Vujovic: Each season we have bigger targets. This year we hope to reach next round and even to be among top three teams of Group D. For players and for the team it is better to go for third place and reach only fourth position than failing to come in fourth.

We know that the competition this season is stronger and the CL has become the elite competition. I'm convinced that Vardar pro belongs to this circle.

Eurohandball.com: How will you complete the mission?

Veselin Vujovic: With three wins in Skopje and one "surprise" as a guest probably would be enough for Vardar. With eight points we could be at least fourth. It depends on other results if we may reach a better ranking.

According to our test results this summer, winning two tournaments in Doboj and Blace, and after the qualification tournament in Skopje, I'm sure the players are physical and mentally ready. However, beating Barcelona and Kiel would be more difficult than that.

Eurohandball.com: Which matches will Vardar have a chance to win?

Veselin Vujovic: Definitely against Kolding, Amicitia and Ademar. These three games will be crucial at home. I think Amicitia are not as strong as last season. Also, Ademar are not the same as a year ago. We have already beaten them once in the CL. The Danish Kolding are also favourites of the group, but in Skopje we'll do our best to get the points. Also, an away victory would mean a lot.

Eurohandball.com: So the first task is to beat Kolding?

Veselin Vujovic: For us it will be very important to win the first game. There will be a lot of pressure on the players. After that we travel to Leon and to Kiel. It is not all the same whether we travel with or without points on our account…

Eurohandball.com: What about the chances in the group?

Veselin Vujovic: Kiel are the biggest favorites together with Barcelona. These two teams will fight for the first place. Vardar, Ademar and Kolding have equal chances for third and fourth place. Our direct matches will be decisive.

Eurohandball.com: There will be six big games within two months. Are you prepared for them?

Veselin Vujovic: We prepared for the qualification tournament and we showed top performance in this period. We have equal players in the squad for each position and as their motivation is increasing, their performance is also improving.

The next two months will be decisive for all teams. After six rounds it will be clear which the 16 best teams are. So, we'll give all we can during these games.

In FYR Macedonia we play only four "strong" matches a season – against our city rival Metalurg. We do not have a strong league and this is a big problem for us to keep a good form.

Eurohandball.com: You're serving a one-year ban from European cup matches. How can you help your team?

Veselin Vujovic: I hope that the EHF will accept our request to allow me to coach the team at the CL group matches. I know I made mistakes in the past, and I also have to admit that I started to think differently. I became calmer then in the past. It was very hard for me to stay on the tribune watch my team without giving advice to them.

TEXT: Goran Antevski