Klarica: “We just need things to fall into place”

Although Klarica had an almost perfect start to the season individually, the same does not apply for his club Zagreb. They have won only one game, at home against Aalborg Håndbold, and suffered defeats against Industria Kielce, Kolstad Håndbold and OTP Bank - Pick Szeged, putting them second to last in group B. For Zagreb, whose objective is to progress from the group phase, as in the previous season, there is still a lot to play for, but they have to learn from their mistakes. 

“I think the group this year is even tougher than last year. I think that's clear to everyone, and we were aware that it would be hard to win points. However, we still believe that the group is passable, meaning that we have the quality to compete with anyone and take points from anyone,” says Klarica. 

“What we showed last year was that we fought with everyone. Every match came down to just a few goals, and it's been the same this year. I think that in some of those matches, we beat ourselves in the last 10 minutes, throwing balls straight into our opponents' hands. It's a shame we didn't secure a few more points because I believe we could have.” 

In recent years, Zagreb have relied on a young squad reinforced with experienced players like Jakov Gojun and Timur Dibirov. Each season, they have introduced new players to the big stage. If you ask Klarica, a player’s age does not mean they are not up for the task.

“Every year, new players arrive, and they need to find their way. All the players who come in do a good job. Some of us have been playing in the Champions League for five years, and even though we’re young, we’ve gone through a lot,” says the right back. 

“I think we just need a bit of luck in some moments to turn the game in our favour. I hope that will come because we’re working hard, training well, and we have a plan. I honestly hope things will turn out well in the end.”

Now, Zagreb are set to host the Match of the Week and Barça on Wednesday 16 October at 18:45 CEST. The group leaders and the only unbeaten team in the competition will be a true challenge for Zagreb, but the Croatian champions never give up easily on their home court. They have shown that not only this season, but in 2023/24, when they beat the likes of Paris Saint-Germain Handball and Pick Szeged and drew with Kielce and Montpellier in Arena Zagreb.

“Absolutely, we fight hard at home. And I hope Arena will be packed for this game. Last year, we had 15,000 people at a few games, like against Barcelona, so I have no doubt we’ll get a great crowd for this one too,” says Klarica.

“I can’t remember the last time they missed the [EHF] FINAL4. Barcelona have an incredible team and top players, but our job is to fight and show that we deserve to be here and that we can compete with them. I think we should stay optimistic. Why shouldn't we go out there and beat Barcelona in Zagreb? I honestly believe we can. We just need things to fall into place, stay calm, and be lifted by the crowd and the energy.”

Barça's perfect start to the season has included three strong victories and a narrow win against Pick Szeged. Even though Zagreb are aware Barça have top players in the squad, who are precise and deadly from all positions, the defending title holders’ main fulcrum is their goalkeepers, Emil Nielsen and Gonzalo Perez De Vargas.

“One key thing for sure is to not give their goalkeepers a chance for a great day from the start. I think they have the best goalkeeper duo in the world right now. If we can manage that, and avoid their counter attacks by not making mistakes in offence, that could be a crucial detail. They score a lot of easy goals so we need to be mindful of every detail because they’re a top team and will punish every mistake,” explains Klarica.

Klarica has made significant progress since debuting in the top flight in 2020, taking a step forward each season. In his first Champions League season, he scored 21, followed by 32 goals in 2021/22, then 38 in 2022/23, and, in 2023/24, with 55 netted balls, Klarica was Zagreb's top scorer of the season. The situation looks promising for the pattern to continue this season, but for the right back, team effort is what matters.

“My main goal is to improve every season, both personally and as a team. Last year, we achieved great results, reaching the play-offs. We had hoped that this season’s group would be easier so we could be more confident about progressing from the group stage. But our plan is to continue growing. Personally, I hope I can keep improving as a player, and I’m glad I’ve reached a level where I can compete with anyone,” says Klarica.

From a player in Zadar who came to Zagreb at only 16 and spent one year on loan at Gorica, Klarica has come a long way. With more courage, speed and agility than in previous seasons, the right back is rising to the most difficult situations and goes almost head first in attack.

“I’ve matured mentally. I don’t look at who is between the posts or who we are playing against. We need to focus on ourselves and on what each player needs to do to help the team. That respect for certain teams has to be set aside, and we just have to keep moving forward,” concludes Klarica ahead of another exciting clash in Europe's top flight.

“I feel confident against any opponent and believe I’ll perform well. It doesn’t mean I’ll play well every game, because everyone has ups and downs, but I’m glad I’m in good form and I hope to continue this way.”

Photos: Ida/TittMelhuus (main & in-text 3) / Pixsell photo and video agency (in-text 1) / Industria Kielce (in-text 2)