by Simon Daish
Arriving in Prievidza on Sunday 2nd July the Croatian squad has been involved in rigorous training for a number of days and will return home on Sunday 9th July, just a matter of days before the team jets off for the European Youth Championships.
Croatia is fielding lineup in each of the four team competitions in Guimarães, and it appears that the coaching setup is feeling especially confident about the country’s chances in the Junior Boys’ Team category.
Placed in Group G, Croatia takes on Azerbaijan and Scotland in the group stage and coach Luke Vrancica believes that the squad can enjoy a successfully campaign in the competition.
“I think that in the group we have a chance to win first place, although Azerbaijan is the big favourite. We’re trying our best to prepare for that match, and we are aware that we are a great mystery for them”, Luke Vrancica.
Europe’s elite youth players are set to travel to Guimarães in the next week, with the European Youth Championships providing the perfect stage for the table tennis stars of tomorrow.
With the European Youth Championships acting as a key stepping stone for player development, Luke Vrancica is keen to see the Croatian contestants head to the event without any injury concerns and is confident that the team is in top condition ahead of the tournament.
“From day to day we are in better shape and, perhaps most importantly, the guys feel good. As far as the physical training goes we are very good… Closer to the tournament we are being careful to minimise any possibility of personal injury”, Luke Vrancica.
The Stag 2017 European Youth Championships begins on Friday 14th July and concludes on Sunday 23rd July.
