Back in 2013., when Slavko Goluza invited 18-year-old Vlado Matanovic to the Croatian national team to play alongside Ivan Cupic it was clear Croatia has another special left-handed talent in the making. Although the process of everything coach Goluza saw in young Matanovic becoming clearly visible took a bit longer than expected, what matters the most is that Vlado is displaying his full potential this season, being one of the key players for Croatian champions PPD Zagreb.

That 2013 experience is however something you'll never forget.

All that wasn't actually planned as I jumped in instead of injured Zlatko Horvat. Everything was happening so fast back then, first I was a part of U-19 Croatian national team which managed to reach silver medal in Hungary and then only a few months later I've found myself in the middle of a time-out huddle with the senior national team. I'll never forget that – coach was talking, fans were all around and all I could feel my legs shaking. Things were different back then because really not many players were given a chance at such a young age and obviously expectations skyrocketed. Of course the feeling was special but back then I didn’t really have enough time to learn that much from all those players. Situation is now much different and I can say right now I feel like I’m doing the right thing and am on the right way.

A few weeks ago situation was completely opposite with Vlado now being one of the experienced players of coach Hrvoje Horvat’s rejuvenated Croatian national team in matches against Slovakia and Hungary.

I know what it’s like and I’ll always do everything to help younger players. I know how much a little something can mean in those moments and I’m always happy to help.

Before signing with PPD Zagreb, Vlado Matanovic was showcasing his talents in Slovenian Gorenje Velenje.

That period was really beautiful. Handball we were playing was suiting me perfectly because wingers were heavily involved and I was even given some right-back minutes. It was really nice. Our ambitions were however quite different and once PPD Zagreb approached me I realized that it is time for another step in my career. Playing for Croatian champions is a huge opportunity for any player and I was ready to take it.

You haven’t had much time to fully experience it so far this season but what do you think of SEHA - Gazprom League and its impact on both you and PPD Zagreb in general?

This season, due to everything that’s going on, it was really hard to catch the right rhythm and SEHA definitely helped us in that way. Overall, I can say I really like it, everything is functioning really well and it is definitely a good opportunity to grow.

What do you think about Eurofarm Pelister? What do you see as your advantages and disadvantages ahead of the match against them?

They’ve really managed to progress significantly doing a really good job and forming an even better team for next season already. The fact that our national team player in their roster Mateo Maras got injured recently might turn out to be a problem for them. I see our rotation as well as our quick-paced handball as an advantage against them apart from the defense which will also have to function really good. It will be interesting to see whether we’ll manage to find the right solution for their defense which has been really solid throughout the entire season. I believe in my team.

The goal you’ve scored against Metaloplastika is really something we don’t see very often. Is that something you’re preparing for?

Not really, sometimes it’s easier to score from opportunities like that one honestly. I’ve scored one similar goal back while I was playing for Gorenje but I feel like this one was even better.

Can PPD Zagreb make a run for the title on SEHA – Gazprom League Final4?

That tournament is still really far away and at the moment we’re trying to go match by match. It’s hard to say, some new players will arrive during the summer break and in one game everything is possible. One thing I’d never do is count us out before the final whistle, that’s for sure.

In the end, what is it Vlado Matanovic likes to do when he is not in the gym or with the ball in his hands?

Relaxing, playing video games, watching sports. I’m a fan of the NFL team Seattle Seahawks and their former running back Marshawn ‘Beastmode’ Lynch who is the reason why I’m wearing ‘24’ on my jersey.