New emperor dreams of Cologne

For the 16th time since 1993, MKB Veszprém will be playing in the VELUX EHF Champions League – and they are – aside Spanish and German clubs – one of the most successful participants.

In 2002 they were finalists, 2003 and 2006 they played the semi-finals and for eight additional times Veszprém were among the best eight teams of the VELUX EHF Champions League. As a result of this and having an established group of players, the objective of the season is clear: "Destination Cologne," reaching the VELUX EHF FINAL4.

In the last season, Veszprém won their group stage clearly ahead of strong opponents such as Rhein Neckar Löwen, Chambery and Kielce, but after strong performances against Constanta in the Last 16, the Quarterfinals against VELUX EHF Champions League finalist Barcelona meant the end of the road for the team next to Lake Balaton.

"The team and its fans are eagerly looking forward to the upcoming season," coach Lajos Mocsai says. "There’ll be fantastic matches again and the best teams of Europe will come to Veszprém."

The Hungarian champions will meet Hamburg, Montpellier, Kolding and Sävehof in the group stage. These opponents have to face not only the team of Veszprém but the great atmosphere of Veszprém Arena. Fans are really going crazy for the club – the number of sold season ticket has grown from 2500 to 3000 in average.

The summer break brought an additional job for Mocsai. The coach signed contract with the Hungarian Federation as he will be the men’s national coach until 2012. It means a double function for him after he contributed to the success of the Hungarian team at the World Championship Qualification for Sweden.

And in the national team he will have three new Veszprém players: Balázs Laluska, Kornél Nagy and Gábor Császár. The club will place emphasis on Hungarian players again as three players from the former Yugoslavia left the club: Ivan Lapcevic, Zarko Sesum (destination unknown) and Milan Mirkovic who will play for Koper (Slovenia).

Balázs Laluska mentioned the reasons for his transfer: "To play for a new team is always a challenge. I’m looking forward to the next season and I hope it will be successful. I’m glad to return to Hungary where I'll be closer to my friends. I enjoy playing at home in a club that can win all possible domestic titles that I have not won before. Also, it’s my dream to reach the VELUX EHF FINAL4." Laluska, who arrives from Koper, signed a two-year contract.

Kornél Nagy, coming from Dunaferr, shares his opinion: "I’m delighted to play for such a strong team. This is a milestone in my career. I'm sure that I will improve and learn from the other players who have much more international experience than me."

Gábor Császár (his last name means "emperor") has signed a three-year contract after leaving for the French runner-up Chambery. "He will really strengthen our team, we’re proud that Gábor chose Veszprém," club director Csaba Hajnal said.

"I had several offers from other clubs, but my career will really progress in Veszprém with world class players and coaches. It’s also very important for me to be close to friends and family."

Veszprém’s pre-season preparation included some highlights: victories against Chekhovskie Medvedi or Zagreb and a third place at the Schlecker Cup in Germany. However, an important player had to miss nearly all the preparation after a knee injury: goalkeeper Dejan Peric. At the end of August he started training sessions.

Key facts

Newcomers: Gábor Császár (from Chambery Savoie, FRA), Balázs Laluska (from Cimos Koper, SLO), Kornél Nagy (from Dunaferr SE, HUN)

Left the club: Ivan Lapcevic, Zarko Sesum (unknown), Milan Mirkovic (to Cimos Koper, SLO)

Coach: Lajos Mocsai (HUN, since 2007), István Csoknyai (HUN, assistant coach)

Club records

EHF Champions League runner-up 2002
EHF Champions League semi-finalist 2003, 2006
Cup Winners’ Cup Winner 2008, Cup Winners’ Cup finalist 1997
18-time Hungarian Champion
19-time Hungarian cup winner

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