Linders: CL is the top!

Five Champions League seasons with Danish Kolding and two with German THW Kiel: the 33-year old Swedish pivot, Pelle Linders, will play for Danish champions, FCK Håndbold this year. Though the former Swedish international miss the first match of the group stage, he is looking forward to step on the CL court again. Eurohandball.com talked to the experienced line player.

Eurohandball.com: You have a foot injury and missed the start of the season. How are you?

Pelle Linders: I was operated on my left foot before the start of the season. It was exactly the same injury that I had on my other foot 14 years ago. Things have been going a bit slowly, but I expect to be ready soon.

Eurohandball.com: You will miss the first group match away against Crvena Zvezda. Will you be fit for the second match at home against HSV Hamburg on 11 October?

Pelle Linders: I expect so, and I definitely hope so. That would be a fantastic match to play!

Eurohandball.com: This will be your eighth Champions League season. Is it still special for you?

Pelle Linders: Yes, absolutely. In my opinion, the Champions League is the most you can get as a handball player. There is always quite a special atmosphere at those matches. For instance, it is fantastic to play in Hamburg with 15 000 spectators supporting their team unanimously, enthusiastically and loudly!

Eurohandball.com: Unlike you, your team will debut in the CL. What do you think about the chances?

Pelle Linders: I think we should at least qualify for the Main Round together with Hamburg. HSV will be our toughest opponents probably, but we should at least be able to take the second place of the group.

Eurohandball.com: Hamburg has injury problems at the moment. Pascal Hens and Oleg Veliky are sidelined. This should be the best possible time to meet them…

Pelle Linders: Of course, they miss some good players at the moment, but they also have a large squad with some highly qualified substitutes. I don’t know how many players they have, but I’m sure they can form a strong team anyway. But this increases our chance, of course.