A1 in handball, the new coach Kokuca presents the team. “Roster completely renovated, we will amaze you”
SASSARI. Pippo Kokuca is the coach who will lead Raimond next season. Serbian, 45 years old, Pippo will take the reins left by Lorenzo Vosca, who took over from Magì Serra in the last few days, who in turn had taken the place of Luigi Passino. Kokuca is currently on vacation in his Serbia, recharging his batteries after the championship driving the Crenna (A2) and in view of the commitment with the Sassari team. But before going on vacation he worked side by side with the sports director Andrea Giordo to design the new Raimond.
«Raimond is a great opportunity – says Kokuca -, I thank the club and the director Giordo who believed in me. It will be a good experience after Crenna, Cologno and Brixen ».
The Italian naturalized Serbian coach thinks he has the right skills to lead a team fighting for the Scudetto. «I had a lot of experience in Italy as a player before and as a coach later, I took the European Master Coach license, in Italy we are very few to have it».
The Raimond roster will be made up mostly of new players, a good thing or a bad thing? “After two excellent years, the club has decided that a cycle is over, we made the choice together to believe in other players, a mix of young and high-level experts, an excellent combination”. But Sassari will also have to fight in the European Cup (Ehf Cup). “Forecasts? Much depends on the draws, it is already a goal for us to be there, we will try in every way to do well and pass the round ». But how will Raimond play? «The teams I have coached have always been characterized by an excellent defense, I prefer the 6-0 even if I like to vary with a 3-2-1. I prefer the speed game that focuses a lot on the counterattack and the second phase. In attack we are getting some good players ».
Meanwhile, Raimond is defining the squad for the new season. “We met with the ds on all the players, in full harmony we made the team, we worked a lot and I’m happy that Andrea Giordo finished with some players who I think are the best for Sassari.” A promise to Sassari fans. “I can not wait to see the stands full, I promise that I will do my best, the PalaSantoru will become my home – assures Kokuca -, if necessary I will sleep in it”.