Mikkel Hansen smiles at fame

Experts say that GOG’s Mikkel Hansen is one of the greatest backcourt talents of Denmark in many years. The 20-year old left back – son of former Danish international and Helsingør star Flemming Hansen –returned from a long injury recently. On Saturday he played his first Champions League match of the season, scored 8 goals and his team won 38-31 against Slovakian champions, Tatran Presov.

The career of Mikkel Hansen has been developing very fast so far, but he takes all the fame and attention with a smile. It is apparent when Eurohandball.com talks to him.

Eurohandball.com: You only returned recently to the team after a long break. What was it like for you?

Mikkel Hansen: It was great, of course, not least because we got two points and took a major step towards the next group stage.

Eurohandball.com: You scored 8 goals in Slovakia on Saturday. Are you back in form?

Mikkel Hansen: One match does not tell the whole story, of course, but at least I feel that my physical condition is back on the level where it should be.

Eurohandball.com: GOG now are different from the team that used to be last season. What is it like to meet so many new players?

Mikkel Hansen: Of course it was a special return with so many new players, but I think we are getting to know each other now and the new players are being integrated into the team.

Eurohandball.com: Wednesday night can be decisive step towards the main round if you win at home against Portland San Antonio…

Mikkel Hansen: I expect a great game, hopefully with a lot of spectators supporting us. Portland San Antonio seem to have some problems in the Champions League as well as in their national league, but I expect those problems to make them fight even more. We will really have to work hard to win that match!

Eurohandball.com: You are mentioned as the greatest backcourt talent in Denmark for many years. How does that affect you?

Mikkel Hansen: Not a lot, really. I simply “put on my working gloves” and do my job as well as I can every time!

Eurohandball.com: How does it feel when people compare you to your father, Flemming Hansen, the famous backcourt player of the 80’s and early 90’s?

Mikkel Hansen: At first I found it a little bit annoying, but now I just laugh about it. We do not look alike at all, and we are also two different types of players – in attack as well as in defence – so I just really smile about it!