After seven years of absence, Lino Červar is back as head of the Croatian Handball National Team with whom he won six medals, including Olympic gold in 2004
Červar ended his contrast this week with the Macedonian Handball Federation, removing all obstacles in taking control of the Croatian team, Jutarnji List wrote on March 18, 2017.
“I’m home. Life of a coach with a suitcase in hand is a journey. For some a long journey, for some unfortunately short. My journey was quite long, 40 years, 20 of it abroad. There comes a moment when a man craves his home and family. When you come home it is easier as you are surrounded by those who love you,” said Červar who previously led the Croatian team from 2002 to 2010.
Červar also thanked the Macedonians for the past seven years. “I wish to say thank you to Macedonia, they respected me, welcomed me with open arms,” he said.
On the Croatian bench he won the Olympic gold in 2004, was world champion in 2003 and two more times second best in the world, in 2005 and 2009. There were also two silver medals form European championships, in 2008 and 2010. He left the team after the 2010 silver. It was the last finale the handball team played in major competitions.
“Although I am seven years older, I am hungry for victories, hungry for success. My motivation is at a maximum. I am not almighty, a man learns his entire life. I do not want to relinquish fighting until the end. This I want to instil in players,” said Červar.
He added he is bothered by statements that we do not have a strong national team. “This motivates me the most. However, we need to work, be modest, aware of our shortcomings. The players need to invest in themselves to reach a true score.”
His main goal is the European Championship to be held in Croatia from 14 to 28 January, 2018.
“The first reunion will be in the first week of May. The list of players will be somewhat larger. I have some new ideas, we will need time to adapt to each other,” said Červar.
The ‘Cowboys’ have so far won two gold Olympic medals (1996 and 2004), and a bronze (2012). In world championships they won five medals – one gold, three silvers and one bronze. Five medals at European championships too, but no gold – two silvers (2008 and 2010) and three bronzes (1994, 2012 and 2016). The European gold is the only one missing in the success vault of Croatian handball.
“My goal is to fight for the top of European handball. I want a medal. If you don’t have a goal, you don’t have a vision. It all needs to be instilled in players, for them to believe it too. But we will see how the players react. There is much work ahead of us. It will also matter how devoted and committed we will be to our work,” he said.
His closest associates are still unknown. “I know you are all interested, but I need to speak with the people from the former staff. They are all my former players. I will try to do what I feel is best,” said Červar and revealed what he will demand from players.
“I will look for players who are willing to give everything, even more. This will not be simple,” he added.
