Novi Sad will soon become a place where CO Zagreb handballers will try to defend their last year's SEHA League title. Young Croatian international goalkeeper, Filip Ivić, was one of the heroes responsible for the title win in Skopje. His saves against Meshkov in semi-final and Vardar in the final match brought the trophy to Zagreb. 

1M: What is the situation in the team before Novi Sad?

Our form is getting better. We've managed to recover after the end of the regular season and after being knocked out of the Champions League, so I expect us to do well in Novi Sad.

2M: You've had some problems recently?

That's true, I was away for 3 weeks due to tooth problems. I've had a surgery, but now everything seems alright. I'm slowly getting back into shape and I believe that everything will take its place until we face Vardar.

3M: How do you rate your and Zagreb's season?

We had oscillated a lot. There were things both good and bad, but I think we've managed to get a lot of good out of it. We've shown that we can do much more in the Champions League, from which we've been undeservedly knocked out of. On a personal note, after the European Championship I felt great, but even though the tooth problem stopped me a bit, I am coming back.

4M: Your colleague Ivan Stevanović does the job of keeping the net safe very well?

I think that this in particular is our strength. We get along really well both on and off the pitch, we are roommates and we talk and prepare a lot. Ivan has an excellent season behind me, which he has clearly shown in an international episode in Switzerland last weekend.

5M: Vardar is Zagreb's opponent in the semi-finals?

Vardar has shown us what an opponent he is in the Champions League. The fact that they've knocked out last year's champion Hamburg certainly tells a story about their quality. They have invested a lot, they have great experienced players sush as Dibirov, great defense and goalkeepers. It will be really hard work for us. We had lost with 9 goals difference in Skopje recently, but I must say that game wasn't a real measure of value, since we didn't have 5 or 6 important players.

6M: Is Zagreb better this year than the last one?

Zagreb is always good. We respect each opponent in this Final 4, but we have high ambitions and we want to be on the SEHA throne for the second time, in a season that I personally think was the best so far.

7M: Second semi-final is between Tatran and Meshkov?

Small nuances will make a difference there. Meshkov has improved a lot with the recent signings, so I would put them a bit ahead, although, Tatran has shown best handball throughout the season. My prediction is Zagreb - Meshkov in the finals, and Zagreb keeping the trophy home, of course.