The selector of the Serbian national team, Tony Gerona, is satisfied with what was done in the victory over France 27:24 at the start of the qualifications for the European Championship 2022, which was the first triumph over the „Tricolors“ after the Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000. The coach of Serbia notes that the second match of the same rivals in Crete on Saturday at 7 pm will be completely different from the duel in Zrenjanin.
- The players and everyone around the team are really thrilled with the victory at the start of our joint work. This will help us players more easily understand what we want from them. We are focused on the work process, we go day by day, every next training is important. The results will come, but it is always nice when you play a game like this after only a few days of cooperation. Victory over the French will also serve to raise the self-confidence of the entire team and faith in ourselves – says the selector and adds, We have created a good atmosphere. Even before the game, I said that we had a good atmosphere, that the guys worked very well and hard. We had a lot of meetings, videos, made a lot of corrections. Their behavior and commitment was great. During the match in Zrenjanin, I did not often look at the scoreboard. I was more interested in how the team plays and to find some weak points in the French, and we know that there are almost none. The chemistry that we created from the first day here, the team transferred to the field. The French were surprised. They had a lot of players in the F4 tournament of the EHF Champions League, but in the number of days for preparation almost the same as us, maybe some training less. I’m focused on the team.
Gerona expects a different match in Cretej
- Of course, it will be a 100% different match. In the second half in Zrenjanin, France played differently. I expect a harder match, more physically demanding. They will try to run a lot more. It will be a totally different story.
All 19 players who played their first game with the French are on their way. Petar Nenadić stays in Belgrade, in combination for the match with Greece…
- Peter joined us, started training, after the back problems he had. We have to take care of all the players who have minor injuries. The remaining 19 players are ready for the journey and the fight that awaits us.
