Bosnia and Herzegovina national handball team before departure for EURO: The result we achieved speaks for itself

(Patria) - The Bosnia and Herzegovina handball team gathered today in Sarajevo where preparations for EURO 2024 begin. The team will train in our capital in the coming days, and after New Year's they will travel to a tournament in Switzerland, the famous Yellow Cup, where we will play preparatory matches.

A press conference of our national team was held today in Ilidža on this occasion, marking the start of media activities for the BH team ahead of the European Championship in Germany, which takes place in the second half of January.

Speaking on behalf of our team at today's press conference were the acting general secretary of the Handball Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (RSBiH) Nedim Arnautović, RSBiH Board member Kenan Magoda, coach Irfan Smajlagić, and team captain Mirsad Terzić.

"I will not talk about the problems of RSBiH, I will emphasize what we have done, and we have done many good things. Qualification for EURO is the icing on the cake. We have secured conditions worthy of a European national team. We will be in Ilidža until January 3, after which we go to a top-notch camp in Switzerland, and on January 9 we go to Germany," said Arnautović.

"A large number of media outlets say we are on the right track, and that would not be possible without our players who left their hearts on the field. RSBiH did not have its own offices or a coach a year ago. We could not talk about EURO today. The development of national sport in our country is important," emphasized Magoda.

After that, coach Irfan Smajlagić took the floor.

"There is not much to say, our time is limited. We hope the players will be healthy. The players are tired, they came after the championship, we need to boost their energy. We are here until January 3, after that we go to Switzerland. Everything is happening too quickly. The players' dedication will play an important role, it is important that they give their maximum," said Smajlagić and added:

"Every victory would be a step forward and progress. We have a difficult group, but there are no easy teams today. All teams require motivation. Physical fitness will also be important, and we will try to bring ourselves to the highest level. The result we achieved speaks for itself. This team has undergone many changes. It is difficult to make a selection within a year; that is built over years."

"Information about teams changes from day to day. We must build ourselves, not wait for some opponent to get injured. The important thing in the whole story is that we strengthen. We must not overestimate ourselves."

Captain Mirsad Terzić also addressed the media.

"I thank everyone for their support. We have gathered, some more guys will come tomorrow. We hope to be healthy to use these conditions for preparations. The most important thing is to get through without injuries and to be ready for EURO," said Terzić and added:

"The ball is round, you can always fight against anyone. The coach wants to protect the players. Everything is possible, but we must be careful not to lead to disappointment. It is best to go step by step. In the national team, we have respect and good interpersonal relationships."