The Serbian men’s water polo team has begun the first phase of preparations for participation in the Mediterranean Games (Taranto, Italy, 21.08 – 03.09.2026) in the pool of the New Belgrade Sports Center (“April 11”)
New coach Vladimir Vujasinović gathered candidates for the Mediterranean Games at today’s training session, as well as candidates for the U20 national team who will participate in the European Championship (Varna, Bulgaria, 10 – 16.08.2026) under the leadership of Miloš Korolija.
In a statement to the media, Vujasinović emphasized that he immediately accepted the invitation to lead the Serbian national team, because it is a great honor that cannot be refused.
– We have never run away from challenges. Life is better with a challenge, so I accepted it right away, without thinking for a second. Because, through growing up, we are used to not refusing these invitations. Whether it’s as a player, whether it’s later as an assistant coach, junior coach or now a selector, it doesn’t matter. So it was a very easy decision. We have two years ahead of us, we have two years until the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. This summer we gathered guys who are a younger part of the national team. All of these guys were on the lists of my predecessors, Savić and Stevanović. This was the right moment for them to throw themselves into the fire, to see who would react how, and how much they could progress this summer. After two months of preparation, we will finish with the Mediterranean Games in Taranto. After that, we will slowly prepare for the World Cup, which is next year – emphasized the Serbian coach.
Vujasinović added that a medal at the Olympic Games is an unquestionable goal and that the Mediterranean Games, as far as Serbia is concerned, have always served as preparation for major competitions.
– When they were held before a big competition, the full squad attended. When, as was the case this summer, they went in some combined formation. The ambitions are there and I think we need to go there and let these guys show what they know. Let’s play the best possible water polo at this moment and we will work all summer to present ourselves in the best light – said coach Vujasinović.
Serbian water polo player Vasilije Martinović noted that the national team has a long and hard summer ahead of them, but that they are used to it.
– Serbia always tries to win gold, everywhere. The Mediterranean Games will be a good test for this team. There are a lot of us in training, 40 players including juniors, so everyone has a chance to prove themselves – said Martinović.
National team player Đorđe Vučinić emphasized that he was honored to be part of the national team and that the Serbian national team has always aimed for the greatest honor.
– We are focused only on the present and the future, on what is expected. The national team has been completely changed, with a new lineup. But, as I said, we are only focused on work. It will take time. But I believe in my teammates and the coaching staff. We have the first tournament in Budapest coming up in July, and it’s a kind of first test for the upcoming Mediterranean Games. This new team, the new national team, will experience that first major competition system. We are focused primarily on our work, on getting along, on staying together and united – said Vučinić.
