Ana Dokic: “Győr can win the CL”

Ana Dokic, the 28-year old line player of Győri Audi ETO talks about her club, the city of Győr and her expectations in the CL.

Eurohandball.com: This season, Győr is simply unbeatable. Four CL matches and four CL wins (against Podravka, Slagelse and Ribarroja twice). Your team have 9 wins after 9 rounds in the Hungarian Championship. Is this a great season?

Ana Dokic: We expected it. I think we will finish the group unbeaten because we were lucky with the draw. In the domestic championship, we don't have play-offs anymore, so we can't allow any mistakes. In the second part of the Hungarian championship we have three tough away matches against Dunaferr, FTC and Cornexi, but I’m convinced we will be Hungarian champions that this season. We lost the last title because of a very busy schedule. Although we were the best Hungarian team, we lost the title because were tired for the decisive game after so many matches in the CL.

Eurohandball.com: How strong is the Hungarian league in reality?

Ana Dokic: Hungary has the second best league in Europe. The championship is always very tight. We are the best team, but we can't relax against the first six teams. They all have a special motivation to play against the best team of Hungary. Teams such as FTC, Dunaferr, Cornexi and Debrecen can always give you a headache. You can tell the strength of the Hungarian league from the fact that the Hungarian champions, FTC, were defeated in the first round by a newly promoted team.

Eurohandball.com: Are you ready for the CL finals? Besides Viborg and Oltchim, Győr showed the best performance so far.

Ana Dokic: I agree. These three teams are the best ones at the moment. At the beginning of the season I thought that Viborg were the bests, but now I see that they aren't. They have a lot of good players in the same position and that can be a great problem. Honestly, I think we can win the CL. Of course it depends on many things: luck with the draw and injuries.

Eurohandball.com: Győr have a reputation for losing the finals. In the past five years your team lost two EHF Cup finals and one Cup Winners’ Cup final. What seems to be the problem?

Ana Dokic: I really don't know what’s happened in the Cup Winners’ Cup finals of 2006 against Buducnost. Just in between the final matches we lost the final of the Hungarian Championship as well, so that also distracted us. And I have to admit that we underestimated Buducnost. Regarding the other lost finals, I think the main problem was a very busy schedule we had. It is very hard to explain, but the playing system in the Hungarian league also had a lot to do with it. We may also have problems in our heads.

Eurohandball.com: What is it like to train and live in Győr?

Ana Dokic: We are the most famous Hungarian club. In the past, Győr was a city of football, but not anymore. When you walk down the streets, people recognise you and stop you for a signature. All kinds of people want to talk to you and I enjoy this atmosphere. I enjoy the fact that I play every match in front of at least 700 spectators. We have great fans who follow us everywhere. The city of Győr has 150,000 inhabitants. The people here love sports and this is a great handball environment.

Eurohandball.com: So, would you sign a new contract with Győr?

Ana Dokic: My contract expires this season. Győr will have a small advantage because I wouldn't mind to stay here. But if there will be a better offer, I will accept it. The most important thing is to play in the CL in an ambitious club. Of course money is also an important factor.