The Croatian women's volleyball team is holding its traditional summer preparations in Zadar, and head coach Igor Arbutina reveals what daily life looks like and what he expects from the European Championship.
The Croatian women's volleyball team has been holding its most important preparations in Zadar for years. The national team's routine now includes the Kolovare Hotel, the Višnjik sports complex, training sessions, therapies, and some free time by the coast. Head coach Igor Arbutina, who has been in the position since December 2023, emphasizes that what was once a question of choosing a base has become a destination the team gladly returns to.
Preparations began on May 11 in Maribor, where Croatia played in the European League, and since July 6 the team has been based in Zadar. "This has become our traditional base, and the girls absolutely love it. It's summer, it's pleasant, and on the other hand, we have excellent conditions both at the Kolovare Hotel and in the hall at Višnjik," Arbutina told Zadarski list.
Life with the national team is far from a vacation. The volleyball players train twice a day, totaling four to five hours, and to that you need to add physical therapy, recovery, video analysis, and meetings. "We gather at least five times a day. When we have video sessions and matches, it can be up to seven times. It's practically our life. We live together for four months like a family," the coach explains.
The team preparing in Zadar is going through a generational shift that has been ongoing for the third season. Arbutina, who has been in the sport for over three decades, is leading a project to expand the senior national team's player pool. The most famous name remains opposite hitter Samanta Fabris, one of Croatia's most successful volleyball players, alongside middle blocker Božana Butigan, who has experience from the Italian league. Most of the team is between 19 and 25 years old.
"We have a mix of experience and youth. This is a fairly young squad, and the most is expected from them in the future. The European Championship is a step up on that path," Arbutina says. The local connection is Josipa Marković from Zadar, a regular player in the national team, while Viktoria Ana Trcol from Novalja has previously played for Zadar.
Arbutina spent most of his coaching career in men's volleyball, and working with the women's national team has brought him a somewhat unexpected conclusion. "I almost regret not entering the world of women's volleyball earlier. The difference? They are much more grateful when it comes to work. We've had only positive experiences with their work ethic, dedication to the sport and training, and ultimately their sacrifice for the whole sporting story. Overall, they are more committed and organized," the coach says.
He also cites a concrete example from daily life: "With the men, sometimes the coach has to decide even what color of gear they come to training or a match in. With the girls, that's sorted out. They arrange it among themselves. It's a small thing, but when you live together for four months, small things stop being small."
The Zadar preparations are not an end in themselves. Egypt arrived in Zadar for friendly matches, Bosnia and Herzegovina was also planned, and next is a trip to Latvia for two more preparatory matches. It all leads to the European Championship and the first match against Italy.
"Our main goal and desire is to get through the group stage. We're playing against possibly the best team in the world, Italy. France is also at the very top of European volleyball, and hosts Sweden have Isabelle Haak, who many coaches consider one of the best players in the world right now, a player who makes a difference," Arbutina warns. Opportunities will also be sought against Slovakia and Montenegro, and the pace is extremely demanding: five matches in seven days.
"It's extremely tough. We hope we've prepared well and that we'll push through to the end and achieve our first goal, advancing from the group. After that, we'll see who we face," the coach adds.
Arbutina points out that Zadar was connected to the Croatian Volleyball Federation even before he took over. "The Kolovare Hotel was a base for national teams during the organization of major competitions. Given the quality of service, and above all the people who are our hosts here, it's logical that we continued coming. We feel at home. The girls feel great, and so do the coaches," he said.
He is particularly impressed by the Višnjik complex: "Few cities have something like that. Zadar's geographical position and climate are excellent all year round. Within Višnjik, you have multiple halls for training. The Zagreb Arena, for example, has one, and the big arena itself is too expensive to use for training. Here, you practically have five halls in one complex."
What's missing? Additional sports fields and infrastructure that would allow the city to host more teams for preparations are mentioned, along with plans for a volleyball camp in Bibinje. But the Croatian volleyball players wouldn't change their address for now. "I'm a person who doesn't like to change a place where I feel comfortable," Arbutina concludes, adding that the team has a similar relationship with Osijek.
The city has learned to recognize the Croatian players. "When we show up in town and people notice us in the national team gear, it's always pleasant. It's not intrusive, but you feel welcome. We're given practically everything we need. From a sporting perspective, the conditions are great," the coach emphasizes.
