As Rapid are preparing to face HB Ludwigsburg in the Match of the Week, Raicevic is aware of the German side's capabilities. The EHF FINAL4 2024 silver medallists have also undergone significant changes during the summer, as they bid farewell to Gabriela Moreschi, Kelly Dulfer and Inger Smits among others.
“They did change their squad but we must not forget they were Champions League finalists, so we’ll need a lot of strength, will and energy to prepare for them. We have a busy schedule, playing two games a week,” said Raicevic.
Ludwigsburg, however, enter the game under pressure, having lost their first two matches of the season. Odense Håndbold left them powerless (28:22) and at home, in the rematch of the EHF FINAL4 2024 final against Győri Audi ETO KC, they were five goals short (31:26). Desperate to redeem themselves, they will come to Bucharest with high motivation, making them a dangerous opponent.
“They will be hungry for a win, especially after those losses. When you start a season like that it's almost 'to be or not to be' now. Despite their changes, they still have the same coach and system. We need to take them seriously and not allow them to impose their own game on us. We want to continue our good run and I believe we will be able to do it with the help of our fans,” added Raicevic.
Last season Rapid did not make it through to the play-off, ending in the seventh place — one point less than FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria. This season, the progression is their main task.
“Our goal is definitely to reach the next round this season. However, we are aware it is not going to be easy. The group is tough with amazing teams fighting for the same thing and we need to believe in ourselves,” said Raicevic.
Raicevic welcomed her 18th EHF Champions League season in her only second club abroad. Apart from the 2021/22 season when she played for Kastamonu Belediyesi GSK, she spent her whole career in Buducnost until moving to Romania. Even though she is happy with where she is now, she is already eyeing the end of a career to fulfill her other dreams.
“I don't care about numbers, you will know better which season this is. I started playing handball for love and I want to enjoy it as much as I can. I believe these will be my two final years on court but never say never. Somehow, I would like it to be here in Rapid — they were big supporters to me when I thought my career was coming to an end,” concluded Raicevic.
I’m incredibly happy at Rapid, which is the most important thing. When you’re satisfied and happy, everything else follows. Everyone knows why I came here — the club functions great, we have one of the best fans in the world and I have the opportunity to play with amazing players. It's been a while since I played in the Champions League and I longed for this energy
