Lazarov: Names don't tell the whole story — a team needs work, discipline and a system

After initial sessions in Skopje, RK Alkaloid moved its preparations to a mountain camp in Mavrovo, where the players are focusing on conditioning in cooler, more suitable weather ahead of the competitive season.

All players are present except the cadet national goalkeeper Gjorgji Nikolovski, who is away at the M18 European Championship. The squad is concentrating on improving physical performance; for many members the Mavrovo base is familiar and they arrived already close to game shape, leaving the coaching staff to refine collective patterns.

Coach's assessment

Coach Kiril Lazarov praised the group's start to the work: "We have been working for some time and have already established order and discipline, and over time everyone has become more capable and aware of what is needed for higher performance and a more advanced style of play — that is what Europe and the top clubs demand. I am pleased with the start of the preparations; we have a good atmosphere, quality conditions, and we are training with great enthusiasm and satisfaction," Lazarov said.

He emphasised that the club's long-term strategy remains unchanged and that the squad will gain experience next season. "RK Alkaloid together with RK Multi Esens, since the club's founding, have been developing step by step, strategically growing the club and Macedonian handball overall. The RK Alkaloid and RK Multi Esens project was youth and pioneering champion and cadet vice-champion last season. At the moment the club supplies more than 50 internationals across all categories and we continue to produce players for both the club and the national teams," Lazarov explained.

To remain competitive domestically and in Europe, the club added three experienced players to complement the existing quality. "Names don't give the whole picture; to build a team you have to work, have discipline, and establish a system. From what I see I am fully satisfied with all the players, and when you have quality to work with training becomes easier and more relaxed. If I have to summarise, although it is early, I feel satisfaction as a head coach. We are professionals, and professionalism currently brings us great satisfaction," he added.

The preparation schedule is set and friendly matches are being finalised. Following uncertainty over the Regional League format, Alkaloid decided to stay in North Macedonia and arrange a number of friendlies. Among the confirmed opponents are the Egyptian national team and a home visit from RK Nexe; the first Regional League match is scheduled away to RK Partizan on 26 August, with additional fixtures possibly to be arranged before then.

Photo: press material from the event