Bojana Popović Appointed Assistant Coach for Denmark Women’s National Team

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August 29, 2024

Copenhagen, Denmark – Bojana Popović, a distinguished figure in the world of handball, has been appointed as the assistant coach of the Denmark women’s national team. She will work alongside newly appointed Head Coach Helle Thomsen as they prepare for the prestigious 2025 IHF Women’s World Championship.

A Legacy of Excellence

Popović brings a wealth of experiance to the Danish setup, built on a stellar playing career and a burgeoning coaching resume. She is slated to begin her new role on September 1st, preceding the team’s assembly in frederikshavn on September 15th. The focus will be on rigorous preparation for the upcoming championship, which will be jointly hosted by Germany and the Netherlands from November 26th to December 14th.

Throughout her playing days,Popović garnered meaningful acclaim,being named Player of the Year in Denmark on four occasions. She also secured six Champions league titles with prominent clubs including slagelse DH, Viborg HK, and Buducnost. She spent eight years competing in Danish handball leagues, beginning her journey with Slagelse in 2002 and later joining Viborg in 2007, where she remained until 2010.

Scandinavian Synergy

Helle Thomsen expressed her enthusiasm regarding Popović’s arrival, stating, “I have had good contact with Bojana for several years, and it will be fantastic to have her commitment and temperament on our team.” Thomsen highlighted Popović’s unique viewpoint, adding, “Coming from Eastern Europe, she brings a passion for handball that will complement and energize our Scandinavian culture.”

Popović’s international playing career included a silver medal with Montenegro at the 2012 london Olympic Games – a historic achievement for the nation – and a bronze medal with Yugoslavia at the 2001 IHF Women’s world Championship.

From Player to Proven Coach

Following her retirement from professional play in 2016, Popović quickly transitioned into coaching. She served as the head coach of the Montenegro women’s national team from 2021 to 2024, achieving a seventh-place finish at the 2023 IHF Women’s World Championship and leading her team to a bronze medal at the 2022 EHF EURO.Currently, she also holds the position of head coach at Budućnost Podgorica, a leading Montenegrin club, as 2020.

“It is indeed a great honor and privilege to become part of the Danish national team’s coaching staff,” Popović commented. “I am aware of the obligation and the high expectations,but I beleive in the quality and experience within denmark that give us every reason to aim even higher.” She affirmed her commitment to supporting Thomsen and the team in striving for continued success, emphasizing the importance of hard work, discipline, and team unity.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 World Championship

The initial challenge for Thomsen and Popović will be the 2025 IHF Women’s World Championship. Denmark is placed in Group A in Rotterdam and will compete against Croatia, Japan, and Romania. Denmark has consistently demonstrated strong performances on the international stage, securing bronze medals at the 2021 and 2023 IHF Women’s World Championships, and silver medals at the 2022 and 2024 EHF EUROs. They also claimed bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics,extending their streak of podium finishes in major international competitions to five consecutive events.

Competition	Year	Denmark’s Result
IHF Women’s World Championship	2021	Bronze Medal
IHF Women’s World Championship	2023	Bronze Medal
EHF EURO	2022	Silver Medal
EHF EURO	2024	Silver Medal
Olympic Games	2024	Bronze Medal

Did You No? Denmark’s consistent success in handball is attributed to a strong national league and a robust youth development program, creating a pipeline of talented athletes.

Pro Tip: Effective team cohesion and adaptability are crucial in international handball, as teams often face diverse playing styles and strategies.

What strategies do you think Popović will bring to the Danish team? And how do you predict Denmark will perform at the 2025 World Championship?

The Evolution of Women’s Handball

Women’s handball has experienced significant growth in popularity and competitiveness over the past two decades. Increased investment in training facilities, professionalization of leagues, and greater media coverage have all contributed to a higher standard of play. The sport continues to attract talented athletes and passionate fans worldwide, promising a shining future for the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Bojana Popović’s role with the Danish handball team? She will serve as the assistant coach, working alongside Head Coach Helle Thomsen.
• When will Bojana Popović begin her new role? She will begin on September 1st, 2024.
• What are denmark’s recent achievements in handball? Denmark has consistently reached the podium at major international competitions, including the World Championship and the EHF EURO.
• Where will the 2025 IHF Women’s World Championship be held? The championship will be co-hosted by Germany and the Netherlands.
• What is Bojana Popović’s coaching background? She previously coached the Montenegro women’s national team and currently coaches Budućnost Podgorica.
• What are the key strengths Bojana Popović brings to the team? Her extensive experience as a player and coach, coupled with her passion for the sport, are invaluable assets.
• How will this appointment impact denmark’s chances at the 2025 World Championship? Popović’s expertise is expected to complement Thomsen’s leadership and enhance the team’s preparation and performance.

Share this exciting news with your fellow handball enthusiasts! What are your thoughts on this new partnership?

What specific tactical adjustments might pernille Harder make under Bojana Popović’s guidance, and how could these changes impact Denmark’s attacking strategy?

A New Era for Danish Women’s Football

On August 28th, 2025, the Danish Football Association (DBU) announced the appointment of Bojana Popović as the new assistant coach for the Denmark Women’s National Team. This strategic move aims to bolster the team’s coaching staff and enhance their performance in upcoming international competitions, including the UEFA Women’s Championship and the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers. The appointment has generated significant buzz within the women’s football community.

Bojana Popović’s Coaching Background & Expertise

Popović brings a wealth of experience to the Danish setup. Her coaching career spans over a decade, with a proven track record of developing young talent and implementing accomplished tactical strategies.

Previous Roles: Prior to joining Denmark, popović served as head coach of Serbian women’s Super League side, Spartak Subotica, leading them to multiple league titles and cup victories. She also held assistant coaching positions with the Serbia Women’s National Team, gaining valuable experience at the international level.

Coaching Ideology: Known for her meticulous approach to player development and emphasis on tactical flexibility, Popović’s philosophy aligns with the DBU’s long-term vision for the denmark women’s national football team. She prioritizes a possession-based style of play combined with rapid transitions and a strong defensive structure.

UEFA Coaching Licenses: Popović holds a UEFA Pro License, the highest coaching qualification available, demonstrating her commitment to professional development and tactical understanding. This is a key requirement for coaching at the highest levels of international women’s soccer.

Impact on the Denmark Women’s National Team

The addition of Popović is expected to have a positive impact on several aspects of the Danish team’s performance.

Tactical Innovation: Popović’s expertise in tactical analysis and game planning will complement the head coach’s strategies, providing the team with a broader range of options and adaptability.

Player Development: Her focus on individual player advancement will be crucial in nurturing the next generation of danish football stars. This includes refining technical skills, enhancing tactical awareness, and building mental resilience.

Set-Piece Expertise: popović has a reputation for designing effective set-piece routines,a critical component of modern football. This could provide Denmark with a significant advantage in tight matches.

Strengthening the Coaching Staff: The appointment strengthens the overall coaching structure, providing support and expertise to the existing team. This collaborative surroundings is vital for sustained success in women’s international football.

Key Players to Watch & Potential Synergies

Several key players within the denmark Women’s National Team are expected to benefit from Popović’s guidance.

Pernille Harder: The team captain and star forward will likely benefit from Popović’s tactical insights and ability to maximize her attacking potential.

Katrine Veje: A dynamic midfielder, Veje’s game could be further refined under Popović’s tutelage, enhancing her playmaking abilities and defensive contributions.

magdalena Thoresen: The young defender will benefit from Popović’s experience in developing defensive structures and improving individual technique.

the synergy between Popović and the head coach will be crucial. A strong working relationship will ensure a cohesive coaching approach and a unified message to the players. This is particularly important in the led-up to major tournaments like the UEFA Women’s Euro and FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Denmark’s Road Ahead: Upcoming Fixtures & Tournament Prospects

The Denmark Women’s National Team faces a challenging schedule in the coming months.

FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers: The team will be looking to secure their place in the next FIFA Women’s World cup through a series of qualifying matches.

UEFA Women’s Championship Readiness: Focus will also be on building a strong squad and refining their tactics in preparation for future UEFA Women’s Championship campaigns.

Amiable Internationals: A series of friendly matches against top international teams will provide valuable opportunities to test new strategies and assess player performance.

With Popović on board, the Denmark Women’s National Team is well-positioned to achieve its goals and compete at the highest level of European women’s football*. The appointment signals a commitment to investing in the future of the team and maximizing its potential on the global stage.