Optimistic Ikast talent

With several injured key players, some of the young talents of Ikast-Brande EH will have to take a lot of responsibility. This weekend the club will try to qualify for the group phase of the Champions League. Ikast will play at home again Urban Brasov from Romania, BS Lublin from Poland and SKP Bratislava from Slovakia.

Ikast will have to play without their experienced left winger, Line Widt Fruensgaard. The former Danish international had a knee operation and should be fit by now. However, a further operation was necessary and she will not be fit until next year.

Ikast are missing the Norwegian Kari Anne Henriksen and the team have did not start the Danish league well with only five points after the first five matches.

Nevetheless, Susan Thorsgaard is optimistic. The tall pivot who joined from 1. Division club Silkeborg-Voel before this season has been called up for the national team recently. Eurohandball.com talked to the 19-year old line player.

Eurohandball.com: What is it like coming to the top division?

Susan Thorsgaard: Simply great! I have a great teacher, Isabell Blanco, the other pivot in Ikast. The biggest difference is the physical side of the game, but actually I played more than I expected. So I really enjoy it.

Eurohandball.com: Challenges are coming up: national team and Champions League qualifiers. Are you prepared?

Susan Thorsgaard: I think we are quite well prepared, and I’m looking forward to play against interesting teams – but, of course, it will be tough with three matches on the same weekend.

Eurohandball.com: You had a bad last test before the CL qualifiers in Denmark: Viborg have beaten you 34-23 on home court…

Susan Thorsgaard: Yes, Viborg have a really good team and we had several injuries of key players, while others just returned from injury. Viborg were simply much better.

Eurohandball.com: Regarding injuries, Line Fruensgaard and Kari Anne Henriksen are definitely unavailable, while Gro Hammerseng and Katja Nyberg are not 100% yet. How does this affect your team?

Susan Thorsgaard: I think we improve with every training session at the moment and we also played rather well this season. Of course we still make mistakes, but a lot of hours in the training hall will probably help.

Eurohandball.com: Their will probably no place for mistakes this weekend. If you don’t win the group, you cannot reach the Champions League…

Susan Thorsgaard: Exactly, and of course it is important for us to qualify for the Champions League. It is important for the club and for the players. Of course we are facing tough opponents, but let’s see how things turn our. I’m definitely ready to grab the chance if I get it!