Arslanagic: “Very positive atmosphere”

Eurohandball.com talks to Cementos La Union Ribarroja’s Maida Arslanagic. The Croatian back has bad luck with injuries. Although she played only 10 minutes in the CL so far, she managed to score 4 goals and to be top scorer of her team in last home match against Slagelse. She was unlucky once again and she had to leave the court as her injury returned.

Eurohandball.com: How do you feel after all this bad luck?

Maida Arslanagic: I have to say that I’m not in my best form right now. In the match against Győr I tried to play for the first time after an injury, but I played 10 minutes and I felt the injury again.

Eurohandball.com: You could not play for Ribarroja because of your injury that you suffered with the national team. Now you may have to miss the national team matches with an injury you suffered in the club…

Maida Arslanagic: After my injury in the national team I was out for about one month and I was very happy to play again, so this was a big shock for me. I came to Ribarroja with great enthusiasm and great expectations. Just before the start of the CL I was injured. Practically I missed all important matches in this half season. And yes, now it is the big question whether I will be ready for the World Championship. It could hardly be worse for me…

Eurohandball.com: Last round Ribarroja were defeated at home with 14 goals. Was it a surprise for you?

Maida Arslanagic: We were a bit shocked and surprised after this defeat from Slagelse. In fact, we didn’t know we can play so badly. But we watched and analysed the match since then and we saw many mistakes we made. We worked hard to improve and in the future we expect to play much better.

Eurohandball.com: What do you expect from the away match against Győr?

Maida Arslanagic: Unfortunately my injury does not allow me to help my team, but I’m convinced that we are ready to play our best match so far. Of course Győr are favourites, but there is a very positive atmosphere in Ribarroja. It will be a very tough match, but we are not going to surrender. We will fight and give our best to surprise them.