18.10.2018, 02:51
A special Sunday for Marina Rajcic in Metz

INTERVIEW: Buducnost goalkeeper speaks about leading her side to face former club Metz this weekend in one of the highlight encounters of Round 3 in the Women's EHF Champions League

A special Sunday for Marina Rajcic in Metz

Sunday's Women’s EHF Champions League match between Metz and Buducnost will be a special occasion for Marina Rajcic. The Montenegrin goalkeeper returns to her home for the past three seasons, where she developed immensely as a player.

The Round 3 clash sees her return as the visiting opposition with Buducnost, aiming to leave France with the two points.

“I am very happy to return to Metz. I cannot wait to see my former teammates and I also look forward to seeing everyone around the club and the fans.

“I spent three beautiful years there, and I am eagerly awaiting the match,” Rajcic tells ehfCL.com.

As a former player, what kind of welcome do you expect from the Metz fans?

Marina Rajcic: Knowing the Metz fans, I think I and my team will be welcomed with great respect, as always. I expect a great atmosphere in the hall, there is always a feast in the stands, it is very pleasant to play in Metz.

After three years in Metz, you returned to Buducnost, signing a five-year contract. Why did you make such a decision?

Marina Rajcic: The biggest desire to return home was because of my family, it was my priority. I had a great time in Metz, but my home is Podgorica and Montenegro. I enjoy Buducnost as my home club, with all the girls, especially from the national team. We have the same dreams and aim to achieve better results than last season.

In the first two games, Metz Handball defeated Larvik and drew with Odense. What kind of game do you expect in Metz, a team which Buducnost lost to in the last two encounters, both with you playing for the French side?

Marina Rajcic: I know that the game will be very good and difficult, knowing the qualities of Metz, who are extremely strong physically and mentally. The game will require concentration for all 60 minutes, because Metz play fantastic at home. They are almost invincible in front of home fans. But, we are prepared for the big battle on Sunday, we love these kind of games.

Did coach Dragan Adzic ask you for information about your former team?

Marina Rajcic: Yes, he did, as well as teammate Zoqbi De Paula, who played in France for several years. We have enough information about Metz, we are ready for the game.

After a home win against Odense HC, Buducnost lost in Norway against Larvik in a game in which you were favourites to win. What happened?

Marina Rajcic: It was an unexpected defeat. Since almost every team during the season has this kind of moment, for us it is good that it happened now. I hope it was the last bad surprise. I think in Norway the problem was psychological, rather than physical. The imperative of victory negatively influenced on the team. I think against Metz we will be more relaxed, we will play better and I believe in a positive outcome.

So far, every team has gained points in the group. How do you predict the outcome in the group?

Marina Rajcic: There are no easy teams, no easy matches, especially away from home, where the home team has extra energy. Every game is exciting, not only in our group, but also in the others. I hope in the end, everything will turn out well for us.

What are Buducnost's goals this season in Europe?

Marina Rajcic: We want to go step by step. It is too early to talk about goals, we are just at the beginning. Firstly, it is important to progress from the group and play each match to our ability. Now, the most important thing is to do our best against Metz and try to win.

TEXT: Sasa Joncic / cor