Vladimir Maximov: “No time for cultural programs”

The Russian champions, Chehovskie Medvedi, will visit to Hamburg on Saturday. The match will take place in the Hamburg Sporthalle at 17.45. Eurohandball.com talks to the legendary coach of the Russian team, Vladimir Maximov.

Eurohandball.com: When does the team fly to Hamburg? Will you have time to take a look at the city before or after the game?

Vladimir Maximov: We fly on Friday from Moscow to Hamburg. It is not the first time for me in Hamburg, I have been there as a player several times. I have seen parts of the biggest port city of Germany and I know that there are various markets and exhibitions there. But I have to be honest with you: this time we will only have time for training, work and the game and no time for cultural programs.

Eurohandball.com: What do you think about the chances against HSV Hamburg?

Vladimir Maximov: Hamburg has a very strong team, full of good players. In Russia they punished us for the lost balls and went on quick fast breaks. Hamburg are the favourites, of course, but we also want to fight for the victory. In case we would lose this game, we would still have a good chance to reach the Main Round and play more games against the best sides of Europe. The match against Danish Viborg will be very important for us to clinch the second place of the group.

Eurohandball.com: Are there changes in the line-up respect to last game against HSV?

Vladimir Maximov: We did not buy new players since then. Those players will try again who we have.

Eurohandball.com There is an old acquaintance in HSV, Dimitri Torgowanow. What will you tell him before or after the game?

Vladimir Maximov: We won’t talk before the game, but afterwards. We will talk about the future and we both hope that he will not get injured because I need hime in the Russian national team.

Eurohandball.com Fans are also coming from Chekhov? During the World Championship there were some Russian fans in the Color-Line-Arena...

Vladimir Maximov: I heard that there are a couple of handball fans who want to come with us (he smiles) I’m not the fan trip organisator, so I can’t give you details.