CN Atlètic-Barceloneta are one of the most consistent forces in European water polo—but consistency alone doesn’t win Champions League titles. Head coach Elvis Fatović knows this better than most. As his side prepares for this year’s Final Four in Malta, the Croatian tactician is combining realism with ambition.
“We had 46 games until now, and we won 45,” he tells Waterpolo360. “We have to be satisfied with that, and now we are preparing for the final of the Champions League.”
Barceloneta have dominated the domestic season once again, but Fatović—ever-demanding—knows it’s Europe that tests a team’s true mettle.
A Season of Two Halves
Last season, Barceloneta flew through the Champions League group stage but failed to make the most of their momentum after international tournaments disrupted their rhythm.
“Last year we had an excellent first part of the Champions League, and we had a tough group, but we won all the games,” he recalls. “But definitely our level of water polo was much lower after the European Championship and the World Championship in Doha.”
Fatović is frank about the challenge of regaining intensity after international duty. “We didn’t find the way to wake up the team in that second part. But in the end of the day, it was the same for everyone.”
This season, though, the response has been different.
“Of course, this year we had a big challenge to qualify for the Final Four,” he says. “It’s not easy to qualify—there are many great teams that didn’t make it. It’s very important to be there every time, and especially now, in two games, everything is possible.”
Facing Novi Beograd: “One Serious Opponent”
Barceloneta face a formidable semi-final challenge in Serbian side Novi Beograd—runners-up in 2022 and 2023, and significantly reshaped this season.
“They had an amazing season,” says Fatović. “They changed their team a lot. It’s some combination of experience and young players, and they really played well during the whole season.”
He points to the regional league as a factor that shaped their development. “I think it helped them to develop that kind of culture they have as a team now. It’s completely different than last year. I like the way they play.”
“Their defense during the season was very, very, very good,” he emphasizes. “And in attack, they have good centre-forwards. They have players who are leaders—like Vlachopoulos and Vučinić—but also some young players, especially Martinović, who played so good this season.”
“We know we have one serious opponent.”
Despite the challenge, Fatović sees value in the match, regardless of the outcome. “To play good with them helps you build confidence,” he says. “Even if we lose on penalties, I will not be unhappy—because we played good against an amazing team.”
Sacrifice and the Collective
When asked what makes the difference at the Final Four, Fatović doesn’t hesitate: it’s not the stars, but the team.
“It’s hard to say what will be the technical, mental, or cultural difference in the Final Four,” he muses, “but I believe individual brilliance will not be the key.”
“We all know the strengths of the other teams. We know the best players and what they can do. But the best example is last year—everyone remembers Mandic scored eight or nine goals, but what we all remember is his last block. That was the key moment.”
“Each player in each team has to sacrifice in both directions to win this competition.”
For Fatović, defense isn’t just a strategy—it’s the foundation.
“My coaching philosophy always starts with the defense,” he says. “I’m one of those people who is never satisfied with that part. I’m always searching for more. Maybe sometimes I annoy them, but I’ll never give up on that.”
And what about Barceloneta’s attacking weaponry?
“Our main focus will be on our defense—and then we’ll try to develop our counterattack. I think we have the quality to manage that, but always with respect to our opponents, especially Novi Beograd.”
Perrone’s Possible Farewell
The Champions League in Malta may mark the final club competition for one of water polo’s true icons, Barceloneta captain Felipe Perrone. Fatović, who’s coached and competed against the Brazilian-Spanish maestro, offers a deeply personal tribute.
“How to describe Felipe Perrone?” he reflects. “Most likely this will be his last club tournament—but not 100% sure. I think I said it a few years ago, when I was head coach of Australia: he’s one of the most intelligent players in the history of the sport.”
“He’s not like the typical Croatian player I grew up with—tall, unbelievable swimmers, with bombs in their hands. Felipe is everything opposite to that. But in the end, he’s one of the best players of the last 20 years.”
“And his biggest strength? He makes all the players around him better.”
Eyes on Malta—Nothing Beyond
While questions about next season swirl, Fatović isn’t entertaining any distractions.
“At the moment, we are fully focused on Malta,” he states. “We just finished our national league, and now all decisions will come after the Champions League.”
His team is experienced, united, and quietly confident.
“I really came to work in a great club, in a great city,” he says. “It’s a unique and very connected group—Spanish internationals, Hungarians, Australians… It’s been a pleasure to work with them all the time.”
And while the road ahead is uncertain, Fatović has no illusions about the task at hand:
“We can beat them—but they can beat us too.”
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