HELLO ŠIBENIK – Luka Lončar

Behind Barakudas is almost a week of preparation in Šibenik, the final stage of training ahead of the Olympic Games. Thirteen Olympians plus four more players who have gone through all the previous preparations, so 17 of Tuck's chosen ones are persistently rehearsing the details in Crnica for what will soon follow in the Paris Aquatic Center, and later in La Defense Arena.

Unlike the initial period in Kranj, and then the second stage with more work with the ball and matches in Zagreb or Sardinia, in Krešimir's city work is done on the details, the little things are 'polished', tactical finesse is worked out.

- That is correct, but there is still a lot of physical work because this is the final part where we can still do some swimming, speed work, and the gym - from Šibenik, the center will be Luka Lončar.

- Before the Olympic tournament, this is the last moment in which we can "sharpen" some physical things, in parallel with the tactical ones. So there is a bit of both. Everything within normal limits, no exaggeration.

Pool like jacuzzi

In these days of a long-lasting and very strong heat wave in our country, water polo players must be in a privileged position. That's probably what many people think, because the first associations are for sure - water, swimming pool...

– Heh, heh, I think that's a bit of a wrong view. In the morning or early afternoon we are still inside, in the indoor pool in Šibenik where the temperature is still slightly more pleasant, but in the evening we are outside. Well, then he would say the temperature of the water somewhere... like a jacuzzi. It's normal because the pool is all day long and the water in it is exposed to the sun, it heats up, so in the evening when we jump into such warm water for training... I wouldn't really agree that it's comfortable for us.

The goal is to fight for a medal

For Lončar, Paris 2024 will be the third Olympic Games. With numerous previous appearances at European and world championships, Luka belongs to the category of very experienced players who can realistically assess the state and strength of the team. Independently understandable perhaps with a dose of subjectivity, but still, what do you think of this Croatia, this team that will play at the Games in Paris?

- I think we have our chance. We should aim for the way we played in January and February. As a team, with a lot of help, we will certainly have a chance to enter the semi-finals, and that is the goal. That is, the goal is to enter the fight for a medal. We will have a tournament there that has never been more equal because everyone has their chance. There are 7-8 teams that are equal. That's why in the quarter-finals, a detail, one ball, will decide. You have to be very concentrated there in order to go further.

Which is better for you players - the situation you had at the beginning of the year, when you were practically from the clubs, with little preparation, 'ran into' the EP and later the WC, but you were in full competitive rhythm, or now, when you still have a long enough a period for concise preparation for the entire tournament, and even for each rival in the group?

- It is certainly easier for us players when we come to the preparations, to immediately start with tactical details. A little less of the physical part that is required. It's certainly easier for us, let's say. However, in my opinion, to perform and play in a "real" or high-quality tournament, at least a month of preparation is required. Then you still get a more realistic picture of each individual and the team - Luka Lončar will be from Šibenik between two sets of training.

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The Americans are coming soon

Barracudas in Šibenik will not be lonely for long. On Wednesday, July 17, the arrival of the American water polo team is expected, which will then spar with our players for three days.

For the end of these preparations, a friendly official match between Croatia and the USA is scheduled for Friday, July 19, in the open pool at Crnica. The match will start at 8:30 p.m., tickets for 5 euros can be purchased in the adriaticket.com system, but you can also go to the stands for free if you come in fan shirts with recognizable Croatian white and red squares, with a water polo cap and the like.