Croatian Volleyball Teams Launch European League Campaigns in Osijek

Osijek, Croatia – The European Volleyball League kicks off this weekend in Osijek, with both the Croatian men's and women's national teams competing on home soil. The city's Gradski vrt hall will host the opening tournaments for both squads.

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We will give our all to open the European League with a victory, in front of, I hope, our numerous audience.

The Croatian women's team, led by coach Igor Arbutina, will be the first to take the court on Friday at 5 p.m. against Greece. Arbutina acknowledged the strength of the Greek team, recalling a tough match last year, but expressed optimism about his squad's preparation and their chances of starting the league with a win. "We will give our all to open the European League with a victory, in front of, I hope, our numerous audience," Arbutina stated.

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She has been with us for some time, working at full capacity and seems to be doing well. Božana Butigan is also fully fit.

The women's team roster sees some changes from the recent MEVZA Championship, where they secured second place. Notably, Samanta Fabris returns after recovering from an ankle injury sustained during her club season in China. "She has been with us for some time, working at full capacity and seems to be doing well. Božana Butigan is also fully fit," the coach added.

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It is always nice to come to Osijek, a city that loves volleyball.

Meanwhile, the Croatian men's team, under coach Ratko Peris, also begins their European League journey in Osijek. Peris, who has a strong connection to the city from his coaching days with Mursa, expressed his pleasure at returning. "It is always nice to come to Osijek, a city that loves volleyball," he said. The team, which recently won the MEVZA Championship, will face Israel on Friday at 8 p.m. "They are a team we know well, they have been together for a long time, they are cohesive and strong, and they have caused us a lot of problems in past matches, defeating us. But we also have our strengths, we are not afraid of anyone, we go from match to match eager for victories," Peris commented.

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They are a team we know well, they have been together for a long time, they are cohesive and strong, and they have caused us a lot of problems in past matches, defeating us. But we also have our strengths, we are not afraid of anyone, we go from match to match eager for victories.