Podravka Assembles a Powerful Squad
Nenad Šoštarić and Goran Mrđen analyzed the reinforced roster of the Koprivnica club and agreed that a step toward Europe's elite is now more tangible than ever.
Nenad Šoštarić and Goran Mrđen analyzed the reinforced roster of the Koprivnica club and agreed that a step toward Europe's elite is now more tangible than ever.
Podravka's women's handball team from Koprivnica enters the new season with a roster that inspires optimism and signals more serious ambitions on the European stage. After last season's dominant domestic double and another appearance in the Champions League round of 16, the club brought in several high-profile reinforcements during the summer. Former Croatian national team coach Nenad Šoštarić believes that reaching the quarterfinals is now a very realistic option.
"Honestly, I don't see this new Podravka team as weaker than the top eight teams in the Champions League, and the quarterfinals should be a realistic goal. They have two excellent players covering every position," Šoštarić told Sportske novosti. He emphasized that this is no longer a young, inexperienced squad but a highly mature one.
He particularly highlighted the goalkeeper duo of 28-year-old Lucija Bešen and 34-year-old Anica Gudelj, who has played in Germany and Romania. On the right wing, they've brought in Amelie Berger, the first-choice right wing for the German national team. "On the contrary, this is now a very experienced team. Lucija Bešen is already 28, and she's joined by the experienced Anica Gudelj (34), who has played in Germany and Romania. On the right wing, we have Amelie Berger, who is the first-choice right wing for Germany," said Šoštarić.
At the pivot position, Podravka now has as many as five line players, which is rare even at the highest European level. "These are five true pivots; few teams have had such quality in that position. Ana Debelić is already in training, Sara Šenvald is proven quality, Mia Brkić is definitely the future, and Nataša Ljepoja has seven or eight Champions League seasons behind her. Veronika Babara is the biggest Croatian talent in that position," analyzed Šoštarić.
The experienced expert also praised the options in the back positions. On the left side, Katarina Pandža stands out, whom he says could play for any Final Four club, supported by Tina Barišić and young Ivana Fratnik. The center back position is led by Matea Šošo Pletikosić, with rich national team and international experience, alongside the quality Ana Pandža. Returning player Dejana Milosavljević brings additional top-level quality, while on the right side, Aissatou Kouyate has arrived, a classic shooter, alongside Klara Birtić.
"On the left, there's Katarina Pandža, a top player who could play for any Final Four club, and she contributes in both attack and defense. Behind her are Tina Barišić and young Ivana Fratnik. At center back, we have the exceptionally talented Matea Šošo [Pletikosić] with extensive experience from the national team, abroad, and the Champions League, alongside the equally quality Ana Pandža. The returning Dejana Milosavljević also brings top-level quality. On the right, Aissatou Kouyate has come in, a classic shooter, and I think Klara Birtić should also use her shot much more," said Šoštarić.
Šoštarić believes Podravka can go far because they've worked systematically and in a timely manner. "Given the team's composition, Podravka must set high goals this season. When you reach the quarterfinals, details decide, including luck in the draw. But it should also be said that Podravka managed to assemble a good team because they worked on time and systematically, and that's how you can get better players for less money. If money were always the deciding factor, then Manchester United, as the richest club, would always be champions... Podravka did this well because they brought in reinforcements, not rookies, and that's a key difference," he stressed.
He also touched on defensive flexibility, recalling advice from Croatian coaching legends. "Pavlin, Tičić, Samaržija... they all said that a true team is one that can play at least two, if not three, defensive systems. And the good thing for Podravka is that through this player setup, you can establish a solid defensive position without needing many changes. However, it's crucial to have the option to switch defenses, especially against top teams that know how to attack a 6-0 defense perfectly," he added.
Goran Mrđen, current coach of Bjelovar's women's team and former head coach of the Croatian women's national team and Podravka, was somewhat more reserved in his predictions but shares the optimism. "It's hard to say; I haven't watched any matches yet, and it's just the start of preparations. The fact is that the season is long, and in the Champions League, you have to be at your best in every match to collect points. When you reach the round of 16, it's crucial what kind of squad and form you're in. Last season, Podravka had many injuries; now they've expanded the roster and stabilized themselves that way," said Mrđen.
Still, he also sees potential for a step forward. "The players already have plenty of European matches under their belts, and I think they could make a breakthrough this season, which I'd love to see happen, and advance to the quarterfinals. That would be a good result. They'll need to manage form and emotions well, and it's always best to take it match by match. Given the roster, Podravka could be a serious contender for a spot in the top eight, and I expect them to perform at a higher level than last season. The players have the experience and quality to play big matches, and there's also coach Ivica Obrvan, who has a serious career behind him," concluded Mrđen.
