Ivan Čupić: Vardar always favourites at home ahead of El Clasico with Pelister

Vardar will host the first handball “El Clasico” against Pelister on Sunday at 17:45 in Jane Sandanski Hall, and Ivan Čupić used the pre-match press conference to restate what he said after the team’s game with Melsungen — Vardar are the favourites at home.

Čupić underlined several reasons he believes his side go into the derby as favourites, starting with the club’s identity and the support they expect from the stands.

“This is the biggest Macedonian derby, as well as in the Balkans. We play at home, we hope for a full arena and a good atmosphere. We expect a tough match, but we are the favorites and we want to seal the first quarter of the season with a win over the rival.

Vardar is always the favorite on home ground. That's in the club's DNA. Whoever comes to 'Jane Sandanski' should know that it's hard to win here.”

Winning mentality and respect for the opponent

On the team’s mentality, Čupić was equally clear about standards he demands.

“The winning spirit is present in this team. One of the first things I noticed when I arrived was the ambition in the dressing room. I want a team that always wants to win, subordinating itself to the club and putting the club's interests before personal ones.”

Asked about Pelister and their coach, Čupić praised the opponent but insisted the focus remains on Vardar’s strengths.

“I'm glad we play against the best, because through big matches and a strong rhythm you improve and gain quality. I think that is our advantage over Pelister, and the second is, of course, 'Jane Sandanski'.

I respect Lino Červar a lot. He is the most decorated Croatian coach in history, but on Sunday Lino and Ivan don't matter, only Vardar matters to win.”

Čupić also described the style he wants from Vardar and hinted at tactical preparations for Pelister.

“I like modern and fast handball, with a lot of rotation and transition. That's the future of handball and I tried to impose that style at Vardar. The players accepted it and we showed that we can play like that.

For every opponent we prepare individual and collective changes. It will be the same against Pelister. We will prepare something they have not seen so far, but without abandoning our typical fast game.”

Photo: press material from the event