Serbia welcome ‘Minister of Defence’ back between the postsArticle
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NEWS REPORT: Serbian goalkeeper Darko Stanic decides to end his national team hiatus, being encouraged by the progress the team has made ahead of the EHF EURO 2016 in Poland

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Serbia welcome ‘Minister of Defence’ back between the posts

Good news comes from the Serbian camp, as the preparations for the EHF EURO 2016 are due to commence in November.

Legendary goalkeeper Darko Stanic is ready to put on the Serbian shirt again and will in all likelihood make his return to the national team at the EHF EURO in Poland.

"I'm glad we have done everything to make sure we are en route to the realisation of our plans ahead of this all-important competition.

"We are now hopeful that our great efforts will valorise and come into fruition in Poland. Soon, everything will be in place," said Serbian national team coach Dejan Peric.

Serbian team (for the time being without Stanic) are in the final stages of preparation for a friendly tournament hosted in Germany scheduled for 6-8 November.

Right direction

The EHF EURO 2012 silver medallist Stanic, previously took a one year and nine-month break from the national team, as he felt increasingly disillusioned following a disappointing run of results at major competitions, which culminated in the early exit at the EHF EURO 2014.

Eventually, ahead of the EHF EURO 2016 qualification the jaded Stanic released a statement announcing his break from the national team, with Dejan Peric among the first who came in support of his decision, giving him "all the time he needs".

Following his appointment to take over the Serbian national team in February 2015, Peric was in frequent contact with the 37-year-old goalkeeper, whose heroic performances at the EHF EURO 2012 earned him the nickname 'Minister of Defence".

The most recent talks the former goalkeeper Peric had with his estranged star were a big sign of things moving into the right direction for the Serbian camp.

"We have had a long, clear and honest conversation about everything. Together, we came to the conclusion that our visions are perfectly matched.

"We both have the best interest of handball in mind and make our decisions accordingly. The decision he's made is of utmost importance to our cause, and sends the right message ahead of the EURO," said Dejan Peric.

With Stanic happy to make himself available for selection again, his new-found faith in the direction the team is heading prompted his imminent return between the posts.

Winning combination

Stanic will look to underline his eagerness to give his utmost for the Serbian team on the court, ready to swiftly remind everyone of his best performances in the Serbian shirt, as the EHF EURO 2016 in Poland draws closer.

The positive atmosphere in the team of late, established by Peric, who successfully lead Serbia to their fourth EHF EURO berth, was among the main reasons to convince the estranged goalkeeper to put his national team hiatus to an end.

"I'm happy that Stanic will be able to help the team at the EURO. He has got a big desire to do well, and a plethora of experience. I believe it is the winning combination.

Friendly matches against Slovenia, Germany and Brazil scheduled for November will be a good test for the cohesiveness and team spirit in the Serbian team.

With the news that another silver medallist from 2012, playmaker Zarko Sesum also back on board and available for selection, it will certainly be a good omen going into the final stages of EHF EURO 2016 preparation.

 


TEXT: Nemanja Savic / ts
 
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