For those familiar with futsal in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the name Marina Ćorluka is one of the most well-known, just as it was when he dominated the former country with Livno's Seljak, winning trophies, and now, as he achieves historic successes as a coach with MNK Hercegovina. Ćorluka and other "Herzegovinians" like Ivan Zeljko and Stankan Ivanković have created a recognizable sports symbol of Herzegovina because in just five years of existence, the club has achieved its first success by winning the Cup of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with only one more victory needed to clinch the championship. All eyes are on tonight's match against Sarajevo, as they could become the playoff winners on the opponent's turf. MNK Hercegovina currently leads 2-0 in victories against SFC Sarajevo, in a best-of-five series.
We had a brief interview with Marina Ćorluka, where we discussed current successes and the conclusion of a season already deemed successful.
Večernji List: Coach, congratulations on winning the Cup of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It seems you've not only united futsal enthusiasts in Herzegovina with this new success but also gained supporters from elsewhere. How do you feel about this achievement?
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, to you and all the fans across Herzegovina who follow and support the club, recognizing our efforts. There are many such supporters these days, which gives us additional motivation for even better work in the future.
Večernji List: Following the Cup win, the third match of the playoff finals against Sarajevo awaits. You lead 2-0 in the series, coming from Bjeljina with a trophy in hand, all within 5 years of the club's existence. How do you comment on this success?
I believe the Cup we won is the first reward for the impeccable work of all of us in the club, and the victory and trophy are a boost for the championship. However, we must not relax and indulge in celebrations; we face a serious opponent in Sarajevo, who surely wants to bring uncertainty back into the fight for the Bosnian champion title. Since the club's establishment in 2019, I have believed that we can achieve good results and qualify for the Champions League, and it is precisely that belief that has led us to this historic success in such a short time frame.
Večernji List: We've already mentioned, your next opponent is GFC Sarajevo, a team with whom you have a positive track record. Tonight, you could secure the title in Sarajevo, having beaten them both at home and away. What can you tell us as a prelude to the match?
GFC Sarajevo is an excellent and competitive team respected by the entire league for their fighting spirit. Although we lead 2-0 in the series, we know Sarajevo won't surrender until the last second. We expect a tough game, but I must highlight my players who perform at a high level despite a busy schedule, playing both the Cup final and playoff final in the same week, leaving them no time to rest. But, fueled by excellent form and a huge desire for success, and with the great support of the fans, they keep winning and leaving their hearts on the field in every match, as recognized by Herzegovina, which breathes with us and gives us strength and motivation for new victories!
Večernji List: What else can we say in the end but to wish you to bring the double crown to Herzegovina. We invite fans and friends to support the club; those who can be in Sarajevo, and those who can't, GFC ensures coverage with, undoubtedly, fanatical enthusiasm from Jasmin Ligata.
Thank you for the kind words. I would like to invite all of you who faithfully follow our club to support us this Wednesday in the match against GFC Sarajevo, which will be far from easy. The match will take place in the iconic Skenderija, where we expect tickets to be in high demand. We promise, as always, to fight until the last second in every match.
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