 Radičević: We do not think that we have to gain revenge
After four games, Györi Audi ETO KC is the only team in the Main Round with maximum points and the only one who have secured a place in the Women’s EHF Champions League semi-final.
The Hungarian champion’s trip to Podgorica is a special one, because they are coming back to the Morača hall, where on 13 May of last year they were defeated against Budućnost in the second leg of last season’s final.
Jovanka Radičević, former Budućnost player, is set to play against her home town team for the second time, in this interview with ehfCL.com, she speaks about her feelings and expectations towards the game on Sunday, 10 March.
ehfCL.com: How do you feel about playing again against your former club and fans?
Jovanka Radičević: I always look forward to coming home and in the hall where I spent wonderful years. It's always nice to play in front of my people. I believe that for every athlete that’s a special enjoyment.
ehfCL.com: Since you lost the Women’s EHF Champions League final last May in Podgorica, are you are looking for revenge in this game or it is going to be just another game?
Jovanka Radičević: We do not think that we have to gain revenge. We are preparing for this game like for any other. We have the motivation and desire to win in order to maintain our good run.
ehfCL.com: With two games to spare, you have secured the semi-final place. Given that, are you going to give your all on Sunday against the team you defeated at home by 27:17, or, perhaps, you will save some power and try to avoid injuries for more important games?
Jovanka Radičević: Of course we're going to give our best, I see no reason not to do that. We will do our best to win, regardless whether we are already in the semi-final.
We want to use every game to prepare for the semi-finals. Every game is something new and should be used in the best possible way.
ehfCL.com: Budućnost has three points from four matches. In your opinion, can your former club reach the semi-finals?
Jovanka Radičević: Budućnost is such a team who never give up in a game, especially when they know that there is still a chance to reach the semi-final.
We'll see if they will use that opportunity, but I see no reason why Budućnost couldn’t reach the semi-final.
ehfCL.com: You must be very satisfied with your season so far in the competition?
Jovanka Radičević: Who wouldn’t be satisfied with all victories so far? I am glad that we have improved in defence from game to game and you could have seen that in the game in Norway against Larvik when we conceded only 18 goals.
Our defence is the main weapon in every game, and as far as for the attack, I don’t worry, because, thank God, we have good players in offense.
I am especially pleased that we have made progress as a team with coach Ambros Martin, we have a totally different style of play from last season.
ehfCL.com: Who would you like to be your opponent in the semi-final. Is there a team that you want to avoid?
Jovanka Radičević: To be honest, I do not care who our opponent in the semi-final will be. I am not afraid of anybody, because I think we have the quality to play with everyone.
I just want us all to stay healthy. So, whoever our opponent in the semi-finals will be, they are welcome.
ehfCL.com: Next season you are going to play in Vardar from FYR Macedonia. What do you expect from that new adventure?
Jovanka Radičević: The ambitions of Vardar are of course to play in the Champions League. I am glad that in Vardar there will be lot of good players and I think we will be competitive against everyone.
Vardar have big ambitions and I am very pleased on every issue. I look forward to be part of that team.
TEXT: Saša Jončić / cor
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