The Calm Before The Storm

The double crown is secured, the confetti has settled, and the Crvena Zvezda players are finally breathing easy. But rest is a fleeting luxury in Belgrade. Just weeks after lifting both the league and cup trophies, the clock is already ticking down to the next battle. The squad reconvenes on June 15, marking the start of a rigorous two-phase training camp designed to sharpen the blade for the European campaign ahead.

Phase one takes place on the slopes of Zlatibor, a traditional stronghold for Serbian football preparation, running from June 15 to 19. It is a time for fitness, for bonding, and for manager Dejan Stanković to drill his tactical vision into the team. A friendly match is scheduled for June 19 on Zlatibor, though the opponent remains a mystery. The focus here is internal, building the foundation for the high-altitude tests that follow.

Austrian Tests and Russian Fire

The second phase shifts gears dramatically. From June 21 to July 5, the club heads to Austria for a series of high-stakes friendlies. These are not mere kickabouts; they are dress rehearsals for the Champions League qualifiers. The schedule is brutal by design. On June 25, they face Amstetten, a side from the Austrian Second League, a warm-up for the real challenges. Then comes the heavy artillery: Slovan Bratislava on June 26, followed by Slavia Prague on July 4. Both are seasoned European veterans, perfect sparring partners to expose weaknesses before the official qualifiers begin.

But the preparation does not end there. A short tour to Russia follows, with a clash against Zenit Saint Petersburg at the Gazprom Arena on July 12. This final test is critical. With the Champions League second qualifying round scheduled for July 21 or 22, Zvezda needs these three serious checks—Slovan, Slavia, and Zenit—to ensure they are ready for destiny. The stage is set. The rivals are chosen. The question remains: is the team ready to conquer Europe?