Nis to host reigning champions on Saturday

PPD - Zeleznicar

After the victory over Steaua and a draw in Novi Sad, Veselin Vujovic and his players will in good mood on Saturday (20.15 CET) host reigning SEHA - Gazprom League champions Vardar. 

Hosts are clearly playing on a way higher level now than in the beginning of the season but they will against ’Red&Black’ have to deal with some absences with Jovo Damjanovic parting ways with the club on a mutual agreement and Vladimir Jevtic being sidelined due to an injury. However, they will for the first time this season be able to count on their newest reinforcement - former Serbian national team player and an experienced player who has an amazing career behind him – Ratko Nikolic

Veselin Vujovic, Zeleznicar coach: 
We all know how big and successful of a club Vardar is. I believe we're on the other side playing way better now than in the beginning of the season – more aggressive on the defensive side of the court and I expect this to be a good match. I believe in my team despite of the fact we'll play highly-motivated opponent. We're dealing with some issues on the line with Damjanovic parting ways with the club and Jevtic being sidelined due to an injury but the good thing is we'll be able to count on Ratko Nikolic in matches ahead of us. 

Predrag Vejin, Zeleznicar player: 
After the win over Steaua we’ve managed to reach an important away point in Novi Sad. We are a bit tired at the moment but an opponent like Vardar always brings some additional strength and motivation. We can’t wait for this match. 

Roberto Parondo, Vardar coach:
We'll play a team which always delivers better outings at home. I know we didn't play very good against Metalurg and we'll have to draw some conclusions and learn from this duel because SEHA League is an elite competition in which you can't afford yourself to play that bad and without focus. It's clear we'll have to behave way more seriously in order to win games in the future. 

Stas Skube, Vardar player: 
It was expected for us to slow down a bit after the first part of the Champions League season. We did not put in enough energy and motivation against Metalurg but what matters the most is that we’ve managed to win that match and that we’ve drawn some conclusions. We’re ready to play better in last three matches of the first part of the season and take three victories.