Anja Frešer is back

After winning three CL trophies (2001 and 2003 with Krim Mercator, 2004 with Slagelse) the Slovenian international is back – leading the ambitious Patras in CL qualifications.

The 35-year old is one of the most experienced players in this edition of the CL. After Krim Mercator, Slagelse and Cementos La Union Ribarroja, Anja Frešer joined the ambitious AC Ormi-Loux Patras.

Eurohandball.com: You joined Patras in the middle of last season and won both Greek trophies?

Anja Frešer: Yes, I came in the middle of last season and we manage to win both titles Greek Championship and Greek Cup. Our club is very ambitious, always wants both Greek trophies.

I must say we have excellent conditions here for working, club is well organized and we want to play against best teams of Europe.

Eurohandball.com: You had achilles tendon injury at the beginning of the season. How are you feeling now?

Anja Frešer: Now I feel good... Our medical stuff did a great job, there is no pain any more and I train with the team with full strength.

Eurohandball.com: How do you see your team in this season and how do you feel in Greece?

Anja Frešer: We have new coachin this season - Mikhail Axenov came from Russia. He demands hard work and high level of discipline and I find it very important. Team has changed a lot comparing to last season when I arrived. Tanja Dajčman came with whom I played in Krim earlier.

I feel great in the club, people around the club are very good, my team-mates too. I like Greece in general.

Eurohandball.com: Patras will participate in CL qualifications in Aalborg. Your opponents will be Sagunto, Milli Piyango and home team. You have great experience from playing in Spanish and Danish Championship so you know well Aalborg and Sagunto.

Anja Frešer: It is true, I played many times against Aalborg and Sagunto, but these teams are not the same as then. But I do know majority of players who now play in Aalborg and Sagunto and in Turkish team there is famous Özel.

Eurohandball.com: Although Patras is not favourite, surprises are always possible. What are the chances of Patras on this tournament?

Anja Frešer: As long as we manage to stay in the game then everything is open. Of course we want to win every match but it will be difficult because we have to play three games in three days. Club's wish is to stay in European competitions. Maybe Champions League is little bit above our level but for sure we will give our best to continue playing in European Cups. And for me, personally, additional motivation is to play against European teams again.