The Serbian water polo team won the bronze medal at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, after defeating Spain 12:8 in the third-place match.
Coach Vladimir Vujasinović’s team managed to bounce back from their semifinal defeat and finish the competition on the podium. After winning the medal, Vujasinović stressed that it was important for the team to end the two-month period of work in the right way.
– It was important for us to at least get a medal, even though our goal was gold. Unfortunately, yesterday’s match was what it was, but I congratulate the boys and the coaching staff for all of us being able to find the strength to get through that difficult moment together. This was important because of everything that happened this summer, because of these boys and the work and dedication they showed over the past two months. In the end, this is a nice ending. Let’s move on, we have a much clearer picture of everything and I think a very nice future awaits us – said Vujasinović.
The Serbian coach emphasized that there is a broader base of players that the national team can count on in the future.
– There are a lot of guys who, for various reasons, did not come here, but who could have represented us at this competition without any problems. There is a good base. We need to work, we need to train and maintain the motivation that these guys had during the summer. I think that way we will not have any problems – Vujasinović emphasized.
He added that the significance of winning bronze is not only in the medal itself, but also in the play and fighting spirit that Serbia showed during the tournament.
– I think this means a lot to everyone, not only because of the medal, but also because of the way we played against all the teams and the way we fought. We lost two games and had the last shot for a draw, so any result was possible. That’s what gives us hope for a good tomorrow – concluded the Serbian coach.
