The 33-year-old, who currently plays for Romanian club HC Dunărea Brăila, acknowledged that she is still working towards full fitness after her recent injury problems. However, returning to training and competition has provided an important confidence boost, particularly with the European Championship approaching. Ježić explained that she had only recently regained the ability to sprint normally and perform at the intensity required for international handball, but expressed optimism that regular club matches would help her reach peak condition before Croatia's final preparations.
Her return represents an important development for head coach Ivica Obrvan, who is preparing a squad that combines experienced internationals with younger players hoping to establish themselves at senior level. Ježić's leadership, defensive presence and experience in major international tournaments could prove especially valuable in a challenging group where small details may determine qualification for the main round.
Romania Friendly Offers Encouraging Signs
Croatia's narrow defeat against Romania provided valuable insights into the team's current level and highlighted areas requiring improvement before the European Championship. Playing against a physically strong and technically accomplished opponent, Croatia remained competitive throughout the 60 minutes but ultimately fell short after several missed opportunities during crucial stages of the match.
Ježić believes the performance should be viewed positively, particularly given Romania's experience and the strength of its domestic women's handball league. As a player competing in Romania, she is familiar with the country's investment in the sport and the demanding environment that helps its international players develop. She considers Romania a strong European opponent and believes Croatia's ability to remain competitive demonstrates the potential within Obrvan's squad.
However, the Croatian captain was also frustrated that her team failed to convert enough scoring opportunities to secure victory. She identified composure, decision-making and confidence as areas that could make the difference between narrow defeats and important victories. Although mistakes are inevitable in high-level handball, Ježić believes Croatia must become more effective during decisive moments rather than allowing missed opportunities to influence the remainder of a match.
The captain also emphasised the importance of collective belief. In her assessment, Croatia have previously demonstrated that teamwork and determination can compensate for differences in individual quality. The challenge now is developing that mentality more consistently, rather than relying on exceptional performances in isolated matches.
Ježić believes the team sometimes underestimate their abilities, particularly when facing opponents with greater international reputations. She wants Croatia to approach those encounters with greater confidence, recognising that organised defending, disciplined attacking play and collective commitment can create opportunities against stronger opposition.
The Romania friendly was therefore important beyond the final score. It offered an opportunity to assess the squad's progress, reintegrate experienced players and identify tactical adjustments before the European Championship. For Ježić, the performance provided evidence that Croatia can compete at a higher level, provided the team learn to maintain their concentration and composure throughout demanding matches.
Ježić Welcomes Posavec Sisters and Calls for Greater Development
One of the most encouraging aspects of Croatia's recent training camp was the return of Paula and Stela Posavec to the national team. Their inclusion delighted Ježić, who described their comeback as one of the most positive developments during the preparations. The experienced captain believes both players made valuable contributions against Romania and can provide additional quality and depth as Croatia approach the European Championship.
The return of experienced players is particularly significant because the national team has been undergoing a gradual generational transition. Several younger handball players have received opportunities in recent months, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate their potential and begin preparing for future international competitions. Ježić supports that process but believes meaningful development requires more than simply introducing younger players into the senior squad.
She has called for greater individual commitment and more structured development within Croatian women's handball, suggesting that additional work is needed both at club level and among players themselves. In her view, young internationals must continue improving technically, physically and tactically if they are to compete consistently against opponents from stronger European leagues.
Her comments also reflected concerns about the wider development system. Ježić suggested that she would introduce changes if she had greater influence over the organisation of Croatian handball, although she acknowledged that her current responsibilities remain focused on performing as a player and supporting her teammates.
Despite those concerns, the captain praised the atmosphere within the national squad. She described the team as a close and supportive group whose players enjoy spending time together during training camps and away from the court. That positive environment could become particularly important during the demanding European Championship schedule, when physical fatigue and competitive pressure will test the team's unity.
For Croatia, combining experienced leadership with the energy and potential of younger players will be essential. Ježić's return, together with the inclusion of the Posavec sisters, provides additional options for Obrvan as he prepares to select his final squad and establish a tactical approach capable of challenging the group's strongest opponents.
Austria, Czechia and Netherlands Await in Tough European Group
Croatia have been drawn into Group D of the Women's EHF EURO 2026 alongside Austria, tournament co-hosts Czechia and the Netherlands. All three preliminary-round matches will be played in Brno, with only the top two teams advancing to the main round. The competition will take place from December 3 to 20 across five host countries, making it one of the most important international events on the women's handball calendar.
Ježić believes Croatia have realistic opportunities against Austria and Czechia, although she recognises that both opponents possess enough quality to cause significant problems. She considers the Netherlands a particularly demanding opponent because of their international experience and recent achievements, but does not believe Croatia should approach the match without ambition. Instead, the captain wants her teammates to focus on their own performances and maintain confidence regardless of their opponents' reputations.
The Netherlands enter the tournament with strong credentials, having reached the semi-finals of the 2025 Women's World Championship and finished sixth at three consecutive European Championships. Czechia will benefit from playing in front of home supporters, while Austria have demonstrated their ability to challenge more established teams. The competitive nature of the group means Croatia cannot afford extended periods of inconsistency, particularly when only two qualification places are available.
For Ježić, the opening encounter against Austria could be especially important. A positive result would give Croatia momentum before facing the host nation and the Netherlands, while a defeat would place additional pressure on the remaining fixtures. Nevertheless, she believes the team's priority should be preparing thoroughly, maintaining fitness and approaching each match individually rather than becoming distracted by possible qualification scenarios.
Croatia's European Championship campaign will begin against Austria on December 4, followed by Czechia on December 6 and the Netherlands on December 8. All matches will take place in Brno, with the national team hoping to secure one of the two places available in the main round.
Croatia Hope to Rediscover Their 2020 European Championship Spirit
Croatia's preparations also carry the memory of one of the greatest achievements in the history of the women's national team. At the 2020 European Championship, Croatia exceeded expectations by winning the bronze medal, demonstrating that collective determination and tactical discipline could produce outstanding results against highly regarded opponents.
That historic performance remains a source of inspiration for the current generation. Although the squad has changed considerably since then, Ježić believes the same sense of confidence and unity can help Croatia compete against Europe's strongest teams. She has emphasised that the national side must rediscover the belief that helped previous Croatian teams overcome opponents with greater resources and stronger individual reputations.
However, the experienced captain also understands that international success requires consistency. Croatia have produced encouraging performances in individual matches but have sometimes struggled to maintain their level throughout entire competitions. Reducing that inconsistency will be a major challenge for Obrvan and his coaching staff as they prepare for the European Championship.
The return of experienced players provides greater stability, while the integration of younger talent offers opportunities for long-term improvement. Ježić believes the team have the potential to make progress in both areas, provided players remain committed to improving their individual performances and strengthening their collective understanding.
Her own recovery will also be closely monitored during the final weeks of preparation. The experienced line player is expected to face a demanding club schedule with Dunărea Brăila, which should provide opportunities to rebuild match fitness before joining the national team again. Maintaining her health and physical readiness will be important because her contribution extends beyond scoring and defending to leadership and organisation on the court.
For Croatia, the upcoming European Championship represents an opportunity to demonstrate that the national team can compete more consistently at a high international level. Ježić's return brings experience, determination and renewed optimism, while the narrow defeat against Romania has provided evidence of the squad's potential. The challenge now is transforming that potential into results, with Croatia's captain convinced that greater confidence, improved preparation and collective belief could help her team achieve more than many expect.
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