It was interesting at the usual press conference before the start of the European Championship. In addition to the heads of the European Football Association and the Serbian Football Association, Antonio Silva and Viktor Jelenić, the coaches of Montenegro Dejan Savić, France Vjekoslav Kobeščak and Spain David Martin also answered questions in front of Uroš Stevanović. In addition to Mandić and Jakšić, the players present were Álvaro Granados (Spain), Petar Tešanović (Montenegro), Mario Vernu (France)
President of the Serbian Football Association Viktor Jelenić called on fans to support their national team:
– The audience will certainly be able to watch great matches. The arena is ready, but I am only interested in the final outcome. As Olympic winners, we have to show our best. I hope for gold, but we will see what happens, there are many quality teams.
The President of the European Water Polo Federation, Antonio Silva, thanked the Government of Serbia and the Water Polo Federation for organizing the championship, emphasizing that he was glad that the continental championship, after ten years, was being held again in Belgrade.
– Belgrade is one of my favorite cities. This is our third time here. We are looking forward to a championship with 16 teams. We have a new format that will bring additional excitement. Many of us remember when thousands of fans created an incredible atmosphere here at previous tournaments in Belgrade. Thank you to the players for their passion and dedication. We wish them success, fair play and memorable moments – said Silva.
Montenegro coach Dejan Savić, who led Serbia to gold in Belgrade 10 years ago, said that his team’s goal is to reach the semifinals for the first time.
– The organization is at the highest level. The competition will be different because we play according to new rules and a different system. Every goal and point are important. Montenegro has a young team and competitive momentum, I see progress. Water polo is currently of top quality. We held the first training, there are memories of 2016. Just hope the water is not cold like in Banjica – Savić said at the end with a laugh.
Spain coach David Martin said his team wants to win the championship.
– The highest level of quality is here. The organizers often win the championship, we are here to spoil the statistics. We are ready, we want to play in an incredible atmosphere. I am very motivated to play in this beautiful setting in Belgrade. The team is ready to play against a strong team, such as the Olympic champion Serbia.
