Saric: "We can beat Kiel!"

A game between THW Kiel and F.C. Barcelona-Borges is never a normal match. Both teams have a history of fighting battles in the EHF Champions League. The last episode took place in the last game of leas season as the final of the VELUX EHF FINAL4. The Germans managed to win that game. Next Sunday Barcelona has a chance for revenge. We asked the Barcelona goalkeeper to an interview.

eurohandball.com: What do you expect from the upcoming clash?

Danijel Saric: We know that it will be a very hard game but it is beautiful to play these kinds of matches. Great players need great games and we will have one at this weekend. It is played on a great court, which is a plus for motivation.

eurohandball.com: Can last season’s history repeat again?

Danijel Saric: It is true that we lost the first game against Kiel in the last EHF Champions League season, but we met them in the final again. I believe that we proved last season that we can beat Kiel. As we need to win every game to reach the next round and finally to reach the VELUX EHF FINAL4, the name of the opponent is not so important.

eurohandball.com: Barcelona has lost two important matches against Rhein-Neckar Löwen and Ciudad Real in the start of the season. Do you understand that fans could be worried?

Danijel Saric: It is totally normal, and we are worried too. However, it is not good to think too much about those games. We know that we have lost two important games but we have a lot of more important games in front of us this season. We can still win important titles. I hope our fans will be patient, and that we will return some victories.

eurohandball.com: What do you not know about Kiel?

Danijel Saric: We know how they play, of course. They are strong and fast, that is their way of playing handball. They have very good players, but we are working to do a good game. Some important players are injured and are currently not part of the THW Kiel squad, but Jerome gives them a plus. He has always played in top clubs and in the French national team. He has got a lot of international titles and gives them an advantage.

eurohandball.com: Year one after the Barrufet era, it is a special season for Barcelona. Do you feel more responsibility without "Barru"?

Danijel Saric: I am in my 9th season on a top level so I know this feeling. Of course, everything was easier with David because he was a great goalkeeper. However, I played important minutes of key games in the last season too. People have to know that the Barcelona goal will be well protected, this is our problem and we will solve it.

eurohandball.com: How about your new team mate Johan Sjöstrand?

Danijel Saric: ‘Johan is doing very well. He is a 23 year old keeper, so he is young, has some good qualities and will grow up in this team. Gonzalo, Johan and me will work very hard this season and I am sure that he will be a top keeper if he trains 100% every day. He is in the perfect place to improve and be one of the best keepers.