FCK's fight for the Main Round

Though FCK Håndbold won their Champions League debut easily, 34-25 away against Crvene Zvezda, they still have a modest goal: qualify for the main round. Head coach Magnus Andersson believes that FCK´s next opponent, HSV Hamburg are the favourites to win the group. Eurohandball.com talks to the successful Swedish FCK coach.

Eurohandball.com: Are you surprised that your team won the first match with so many goals?

Magnus Andersson: Yes, actually I am. We did not have much information on our opponents in advance, and we did not know how many fans would be there either. After all this, I’m happy that we managed to decide the match in the first ten minutes already at 8-1.

Eurohandball.com: Many of your players have Champions League experience, but this was the debut for the club. Respect to that, the players did very well…

Magnus Andersson: Well, practically all our players have important international experience on a club level and on a national team level too. Of course they all knew what was waiting for them, but I’m glad that we could win so easily and keep our Main Round dreams alive.

Eurohandball.com: After your and Hamburg´s victory, the group promises what many predicted.

Magnus Andersson: Yes, everybody said before the start of the tournament that these two teams would advance from the group. However, I watched the match between Hamburg and Tatran Presov, and actually Presov resisted very well in the first half. They were unable to resist the pressure on the long run. Tatran Presov have a lot of Champions League experience and actually the battle for the second place may well be between them and us. Hamburg are still huge favourites.

Eurohandball.com: Do you think Hamburg are also favourites when you host them on Saturday?

Magnus Andersson: Yes, they have a very strong team and I also believe that they have a better chance this time. However, it is easier to collect some info about them and of course we will try and win the match.

Eurohandball.com: Injuries?

Magnus Andersson: Pelle Linders is still the only unavailable player and he will probably not play on Saturday. We do not want to take a risk with him, so he is not likely to play.