The Ljubljana team enters the fight for high places in the 28th season among the European club elite strengthened by Daria Dmitrieva, Aleksandra Rosiak, Sara Kovarova, Jovanka Radičević and Ema Marković, the experienced Barbara Lazović also returned to the capital after eight years. “In handball, staffing takes place after major competitions. We already had the core of the team assembled this way in the spring. After the arrival of the new coach Dragan Adžić, we added what we lacked. The experienced Lazović joined us, and we are fortunate to have the exceptional Daria Dmitrieva among us,” said sports director Deja Ivanović about the recruitment.
Led by Dragan Adžić, his assistant Jura Šterbucl and goalkeeping coach Rolanda Pušnik, the Krim started their preparations seven weeks ago. During this time, they played six friendly matches and traditionally attended the Josip Samaržija-Bepo memorial in Koprivnica. “I am very satisfied with the working conditions at such a top club as Krim Mercator. Thanks to the excellent coaching team, we completed the preparations with flying colours. I believe that attachments are good for achieving the outlined goals. We are on the right track and we will do everything to return the name of the club to where it belongs,” the head coach thinks after completing the main part of the preparations. Barbara Lazović, who will wear the captain’s armband in the new season, looks towards the right start: “I am honored and grateful to be the captain of a club with such a rich history. On behalf of the entire team, I can say that he is already eagerly awaiting the start of the European competition. We handball players are highly motivated and we have a positive outlook towards the coming months.”
The framework of the team from the previous season, some new faces and an airy coaching staff are the reason that the expectations for the new season (or two) are high. “With a new coaching team, we entered a two-year period, the goal of which is the final tournament of the best four of the EHF Champions League. It sounds easy, but we have a lot of work ahead of us. But I believe that we can do it together,” explains club president Iztok Verdnik.
And what do Krim Mercator bet on in order to fulfill their goals? Support from the stands, among others. “I invite all handball fans to support us during the season in as many numbers as possible. We will need support, it will mean a lot to us,” concludes the captain.
