Respect for Buducnost

Despite many injuries of Budućnost, the coach of Oltchim Valcea Ivica Rimanić expects a tough match in Podgorica in front of 6,000 loud Montenegrin fans.

Eurohandball.com: What do you think about your first opponent in main round? Have you seen Budućnost this season?

Ivica Rimanić: Yes, we have. I can say they are a good team. They improved by signing new players for the season. A team that can win against Hypo and FCK at home must be very good, of course. I think they are better then last year, but for me it is not surprise because they brought good reinforcements.

Eurohandball.com: It seems that Budućnost have injury problems.

Ivica Rimanić: True they have injured players, but I think they have other good players who can replace them.

Eurohandball.com: Budućnost took nine points, Oltchim eight in the previous group stage. Budućnost scored 23 goals less than Oltchim, but also received six goals less than your team. Does this mean that Oltchim have a better attack and Budućnost have better defence?

Ivica Rimanić: I haven’t thought about it actually. Our groups were very different, so I can't say who has better defence of better offence. No doubt they have very good attack. They have good shooters in all positions and a playmaker who improved a lot. For me, their playmaker was the biggest surprise – she is very young too. They have a good goalkeeper, and now they even have another, Knezović. I really think that Budućnost have good players for all positions.

Eurohandball.com: Budućnost will probably be missing key players. Does it mean that you will be favourites on Sunday?

Ivica Rimanić: No way. In front of 6,000 fans in Podgorica only Budućnost can be the favourites.