The defensive line of the “blues”, in preparation for the spring in the 2021/22 season, is richer for the staunch Igor Ćuković – a guy who commanded the best defense in the league until a serious injury last season, in which he won a historic double crown.
The 28-year-old from Nikšić appeared with cheerful spirit during the preparations under the command of Aleksandar Nedović, he does every exercise to the maximum, his voice is heard during the game in training or the game, and every time he has the ball – he smiles at her.
“It took me a few days to get used to working harder after a long break, but after that everything came to its own and I am satisfied with the preparation period,” said the former young national team player, who added.
“The most important thing is to prepare physically, both the team and me, and to avoid injuries and to be complete from the first round and start fighting for trophies, which is expected of us.”
The former stopper of Sutjeska, Norwegian Elverum, Albanian Kazma, Czech Znojmo and Rudar tore the anterior cruciate ligament for the second time on April 3, 2021, returned to the field in late September, but at one point felt pain and the professional staff did not want to take risks – the real return has been postponed for the current preparations.
“The desire for football has never been greater. That desire alone pushed me to come back earlier, but at that moment my body was not at 100% able to help my teammates. I think it was the right move to postpone our return until January.”
Now I feel great and I can’t wait for the fight for points to start.” In the preparation period, Buducnost played matches with Adria, OFK Mladost DG, and instead of the canceled match with Leotar, the boys played among themselves and everything “burst”.
“There was no fear in any match. I know that I have worked hard for the past nine months and did my best to get ready as soon as possible. Matches help me in the field of self-confidence and after each of those games I felt better and better. I hope that it will be the same in the future “, Ćuković is clear.
Our team from training to training seems more homogeneous, the atmosphere is great, which we saw in the knowledge quiz, which was organized by the expert staff as a “team building” last night in the premises of the Ramada Hotel.
“The atmosphere is, as always, at the highest level, and the team looks great. We had a lot of bad luck in the first part of the season, we didn’t play a single match as a whole, but when we are all together – as is the case now – I think we are the best team in the league in terms of quality. We are breathing as one and we need to convey and justify all that on the field from the first round.”
Thirty-four-year-old Vladan Adzic, 28-year-old Cukovic, 22-year-olds Anto Babic and Velimir Vlahovic, and 17-year-old Damjan Dakic – these are the five who are competing for two places in the heart of defense.
“We are all on the same task, we want the defense to be as strong as possible and we strive towards that every day. We know each other very well, they are great guys and players and I believe that everything will match in the best way. I feel I am changing, I give my best in every training session, and it is up to the boss to decide who will be the starter in the continuation of the season “, said” blue – white number 26 “, who already cooperated with Aleksandar Nedović in Nikšić’s Sutjeska.
“I’ve known the boss since a couple of years ago, so I know a lot of things and requests. It’s a relief for me to fit in better.”
The “Blues” will stay at the Ramada Hotel until February 6, and between training they spend time together …
“I mostly hang out with older players, we find various hobbies to pass the time as soon as possible. Of course, all this is aimed at improving the atmosphere in the team, which is – as I said – great.”
And finally – an unavoidable question – can our Future defend the title despite being nine points behind the leader?
“We are aware that it will be difficult to win the title, but not impossible. We talk about it non-stop and we know what awaits us from the first round of the second part of the season. We can’t wait for the competition to start “, said Igor Ćuković, who knows what Budućnost represents…
” In the spring we will fight on two fronts, and this club obliges us to go to the trophies and we will certainly do our best to reach that. The fans were the wind in our backs in the first part when we were a little weaker. I am sure that, with their support and if we are complete, we can turn the season in our favor. I hope that we will have reasons to celebrate together in May “, our stopper is clear.
