Coach Obrvan and Podravka proud to be back

The last few years have been a rollercoaster for the Croatian club, but they finally managed to set a solid foundation in the 2023/24 season. They were confident on the domestic front, putting an end to Lokomotiva's positive streak and brought a league and cup double triumph to Koprivnica. Meanwhile, their European campaign was deemed a success after reaching the quarter-finals of the EHF European League Women.

“Last season was successful for the club. Results and good efforts by the club's administration ensured the Champions League spot. It means a lot for the club and for the players. I hope we will show ourselves in good light in the strong competition against powerful and quality players,” says Obrvan.

Podravka Vegeta are almost a synonym for women's handball in Croatia as the small city of Koprivnica has been on the European handball map for 32 seasons, including winning the EHF Champions League Women in 1995/96 season, one of 29 campaigns in the premier competition. Even though much time has passed since that success, the spirit remains the same - to fight until the end, according to coach Obrvan.

“I have one goal and one thought on how we will perform on the court - to have a recognisable game, fighting spirit, belief that no one is better than us until they win and that we can play against everyone. We managed to convince our players to it last year in the European League, where they gave us little chance to win games and we went through to the quarter-finals.”

Since last season, Podravka Vegeta have gone through changes both to the squad and the coaching staff. The Kalaus sisters - Larissa and Dora - Lea Franusic, Ivona Mrdjen, Ema Guskic, Nika Galinec and Tara Djelekovcan all left the club and Podravka have worked hard to fill in the blanks.

Experienced Matea Pletikosic and Kristina Prkacin are two of the significant reinforcements, alongside young talents Mia Brkic and Klara Birtic, joining from Metz Handball and HB Ludwigsburg, respectively, while goalkeeper Ana Crnjak returned from a loan.

“Last season we had a team that was playing together for two years straight. This time it will be a bit different. We have new names in the club, but they have potential and quality. With good work I believe everything will fit into the place until the season starts,” adds Obrvan.

Podravka Vegeta will be pitted against old rivals Krim Mercator and FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria, strong Romanian side CSM Bucuresti, French powerhouse Metz Handball, enthusiastic CS Gloria 2018 BN, plus two teams they know very well from last season - Nykøbing Falster and Storhamar Handball.

“We have four teams that are among the favourites in the competition, ambitious Gloria, but also two teams we already played against and beat last season. By logical inference, if we were able to do it last season, we should be able to do it again. But nothing is set in stone. We need to prove why we are here and fight. We need to have our confidence,” says Obrvan.

And they will need their belief and confidence right from the start. Podravka have a baptism of fire at the start by hosting Krim in the first round, followed by a trip to FTC, then CSM at home before two tough away games against Metz and Gloria.

“The schedule of the first five matches of the Champions League turned out to be quite difficult for us, so already after the first few matches it will be clear to us what the situation is and how much we can compete with other teams in the group,” concludes Obrvan.

Head coach Ivica Obrvan came to Podravka Vegeta at the start of the 2023/24 season for his first stint in women's handball. Obrvan brought vast experience from men's handball and clubs including Metkovic, Medvescak, Gorenje Velenje, Chambéry and Zagreb, as well as the North Macedonia and Bosnia Herzegovina national teams. Obrvan also took over the Croatia women's national team only a few months after joining Podravka and he hopes his good work at club level will transfer to the national team.

“Surely it is easier for me as a coach to have a certain number of national team players in Podravka. What I would like is to have few more Croatians, especially in the back court line, like centre back. Still, we can do some practice and it is certainly good for a group of eight to ten players to get used to the coach's idea through the club and know what you are expected to do in the national team,” explains Obrvan.

Ahead of the start of Podravka's 29th EHF Champions League season, Obrvan wrapped up by sharing his vision for the upcoming challenges among the elite.

“I want for my team to have solid defence, as it is a base when playing against dominant teams. We need to keep our system we set last season and imbed all players to it. If it is possible, I want us to make a step forward which is important for the experience and improvement.”

photos © 2024 Ivan Brkić