Podravka Reinforced Ahead of New Season
The Koprivnica side has strengthened its playing roster and coaching staff, and after two consecutive group-stage qualifications in the Champions League, they now aim for the quarterfinals.
The Koprivnica side has strengthened its playing roster and coaching staff, and after two consecutive group-stage qualifications in the Champions League, they now aim for the quarterfinals.
Podravka's handball players enter the new season with a clear ambition: after two consecutive group-stage qualifications in the Champions League, the goal is to take a step further and reach the quarterfinals. As reported by Klikaj.hr, the club has significantly bolstered both its playing squad and coaching staff over the summer, with a particular emphasis on physical preparation following last season's injury problems.
Head coach Ivica Obrvan will be assisted by an expanded team of experts. Nikola Golub has returned as the fitness coach, and his previous stint at Podravka was marked by excellent player conditioning and rare injuries. Antonio Pranjić is now the assistant coach, and his deep understanding of the system and collaboration with Obrvan stems from his work in the club's academy and the national team.
Mario Posarić continues to oversee the goalkeepers, and his contribution is crucial to the remarkable progress of first-choice goalkeeper Lucija Bešen. The medical team, led by Dr. Miroslav Narančić, has been reinforced by the experienced Miroslav Jamnić, a longtime physiotherapist for Slaven Belupo and the Croatian national football team, who joins physiotherapists Asja Cestar and Dorijan Rojčević.
This year's playing squad is significantly broader and of higher quality, allowing coaches easier rotation and coverage of all critical positions. In goal, Lucija Bešen remains the first choice, supported by Petra Marinović, young Lore Tetec, and new experienced Bosnia and Herzegovina international Anica Gudelj, who replaces Antonija Tucaković.
On the left wing, internationals Andrea Šimara and Katja Vuković take charge. On the right side, in addition to Kalu Kosovac and the injured Josipa Mamić, who will miss the start of the season, German international Amelie Berger has arrived as the first-choice right wing. Podravka now has five line players: Sara Šenvald, Mija Brkić, Veronika Babara, Ana Debelić, and Slovenian international Nataša Ljepoja, who came from Valcea to provide stability while the others recover.
The back line is finally well-stocked and quality. On the left back are Katarina Pandža, Tina Barišić, and young Ivana Fratnik and Tena Jurlina. The center will be led by Matea Pletikosić, Dejana Milosavljević, and Ana Pandža, with Milosavljević and A. Pandža able to play on the right side if needed. On the right back, Klara Birtić is joined by experienced French international Aissotou Kouyate.
In the last two seasons, Podravka has managed to qualify from the Champions League group stage, which is a valuable result given the budget they operate with. Last season, they convincingly won the domestic championship and cup, which are their only two imperatives, but the true success of this reinforced team will be measured in Europe.
The Champions League begins on the first weekend of September, with European runners-up Györ visiting Koprivnica. Group B also includes Metz, Danish sides Odense and Nykobing, Norwegian Storhamar, Romanian Gloria Bistrita, and German Blomberg-Lippe.
The Koprivnica crowd will see their players from August 27 to 29 at the Josip Samaržija, Bepo Memorial.
