Lidija Horvat: “We must defeat Ikast”

Eurohandball.com presents a Croatian handballer playing in Romania next season. The right back Lidija Horvat has recently signed for Rulmentul Brasov. Among many other things, she also tells us about her expectations from the new club and the upcoming Qualification Tournament.

After many injury problems, Horvat finally had a great season with Podravka Vegeta. She was also one of the best players of the national team at the EURO qualification matches of Croatia against Montenegro.

Eurohandball.com: What is it like for a left handed player in women’s handball?

Lidija Horvat: It’s great. The lefthanders are always wanted because there are very few of us. My advantage is that I can find a club much easier, however the disadvantage is that I don’t get to play much in defence.

Eurohandball.com: Which was the toughest match of your carrier?

Lidija Horvat: That was a match against Larvik in the Cup Winners’ Cup semi-finals last season. We played against a great team led by Riegelhuth. We won by two at home, but lost by three in Norway, so we missed the CWC Final…

Eurohandball.com: You had great a deal of bad luck with injuries. Is it all behind you now?

Lidija Horvat: I feel great now, I hope so. This season was good. I’m very satisfied with my performance against Montenegro at the EURO qualifications and I hope that I will continue playing on the same level in Brasov.

Eurohandball.com: What do you think about your new team?

Lidija Horvat: We started to prepare for the new season on 8 July and I can say that we have a really good team. The new players of the club mean a lot of reinforcement.

Eurohandball.com: Brasov will play a Qualification Tournament with Ikast, Lublin and another side. What do you think about these opponents?

Lidija Horvat: Ikast are one of the best European teams with many great names. I don’t know much about Lublin, but I know that Polish players are good, so they will be difficult. The most important will be to defeat Ikast and then we will have a good chance to qualify for the CL.

Eurohandball.com: This would be your fifth CL season. What are your expectations?

Lidija Horvat: To qualify for the group phase and to stay in the competition for as much time as possible.