It is always harder to defend the throne and Raul Gonzales, as both SEHA and CL best coach for the past season, is surely well aware of that. Vardar are now three-time SEHA champions and are entering the season as European champions as well. Considering the fact that they did not change their roster much we can surely once again put them high on title favorite list.

It is however clear Raul Gonzales will have to change a few things in order for Vardar to stun everyone like they did last season playing the best handball in Europe.

The only change is Alex Dujshebaev's transfer to Kielce and arrival of Dainis Kristopans. As we are talking about two quite different players it is clear Raul will have to make things work a bit differently than they did last season. Aleksandr Dereven also left Skopje but that will not affect them as much. Their defense will once again be led by Abutovic and goalkeeping duo Sterbik - Milic. Cindric and Karacic will be responsible for attacking options and it is fair to say there are quite a few - from amazing wingers Dibirov, Cupic and Shishkarev all the way to back-court bombers Kristopans and Borozan along with two-way specialists Maqueda and Canellas. Pivot trio will once again remain the same with Stoilov, Moraes and Marsenic. All in all, excellent team with a lot more experience than ahead of the previous season.

Key factors in the upcoming season will be to find the right motive and try to stay healthy. Everything else should be a lot easier.