The women’s handball team Budućnost has hit a new low this season, suffering its seventh defeat and setting an unwanted record for the most consecutive losses in a single season. This latest setback against Esbjerg was not unexpected, as many consider Esbjerg a leading contender for this season’s Champions League title. Despite their struggles, Budućnost’s coach remains optimistic about the team’s potential for improvement.
In a post-match statement, the coach emphasized that Budućnost has shown glimpses of its capabilities, particularly during specific halves against teams like Dortmund and Bistrica. “We can perform much better than we have been showcasing week after week,” the coach stated. The team has faced criticism for appearing physically unprepared for the Champions League’s demanding pace, evident in their numerous missed scoring opportunities.
Building for the Future
Despite the current challenges, there are positive signs within the team. The inclusion of younger players has provided a glimpse of hope. Their performances have suggested potential, indicating that they can contribute meaningfully during key moments of games. “It was encouraging to see their creativity on the court,” the coach noted, highlighting that the presence of younger players is a step towards building a stronger future for Budućnost.
The coach also raised an important question regarding the future vision of the club’s management. With the current season already a challenge, there is a pressing need for a clear strategy moving forward. While the late-season transition did not allow for substantial changes in the roster, attention must now turn to the next season. “Serious clubs are already making deals and planning their teams,” the coach pointed out, underscoring the urgency for Budućnost to finalize its strategy.
As the team prepares for an upcoming World Championship, players must have a clear understanding of their roles and prospects. The potential difficulty of attracting quality reinforcements post-World Championship adds to the pressure. “I hope the coach and management have a clear vision of who they will rely on from the current squad and what new talent they plan to bring in,” the coach said, expressing concern that without this clarity, another disappointing season could lie ahead.
League Performance and Notable Matches
In terms of league dynamics, the recent round of matches showcased a more predictable outcome, with favorites performing as anticipated. In a standout clash, Brest defeated FTC with an impressive performance from player Vjahireva, who has shown signs of awakening as the season progresses.
One of the most remarkable performances came from Julia Skaljone, born in 2004, who demonstrated her potential by scoring an impressive twelve goals against Podravka. Her performance has raised expectations for her future in women’s handball.
Meanwhile, the situation at CSM has taken a turn, with the team parting ways with its coach following several unexpected losses in the Romanian league. The assistant coach will temporarily lead the team, a decision seen as a reasonable move by management as they seek stability moving forward. A new head coach is expected to be appointed in the near future.
Despite the difficulties that Budućnost is currently facing, the coach remains hopeful. “As challenging and disappointing as this season has been, I believe that better days are on the horizon for Budućnost,” he concluded.
