Flensburg host Zagreb in heavyweight clash

After two seasons spent at VFL Gummersbach, classy middle-back Viktor Szilágyi switched clubs during the summer, moving to SG Flensburg-Handewitt.

Whilst his new club meets HC Croatia Zagreb for the fifth time in the VELUX EHF Champions League, it will be the debut for the 32-year-old Austrian international against the Croatian club.


ehfCL.com: Many things have happened recently at your club. Firstly, the change of coach, followed by two narrow victories in the Bundesliga. What is your view of recent events?

Viktor Szilágyi: These were certainly turbulent and restless times. Things seem to have settled down though, and we recently defeated two strong opponents in the Bundesliga, Rhein-Neckar Löwen and VfL Gummersbach.

For us, it was a big shock that Per Carlén wasn’t continuing as our coach. It wasn’t easy to concentrate on those league games after his departure, but we showed great character to secure the two victories.

ehfCL.com: On Sunday the big clash against Croatia Zagreb will take place. Many insiders feel that it’s going to be the key duel in the race for second place in Group D.


Viktor Szilágyi: Actually, I think we can still finish in first place! Anything is possible! It’s very important at this stage of the VELUX EHF CL not to drop any points on home soil.

Zagreb is a team that isn’t under pressure in their domestic league, as they’ve been the dominant force there for years, without any serious opposition.

In my opinion, this can be a disadvantage for the Croatian club. On the other hand, it could be seen as an advantage, as they can have longer preparation time for these more important games.

Regarding Flensburg, we’ve put two tough games in the Bundesliga behind us and now we must ‘flick the switch’ and focus on a completely different competition.

ehfCL.com: What do you know about your Croatian opponent? Have you ever played against Zagreb?

Viktor Szilágyi: So far, I've only played against Zagreb in the pre-season with my previous teams Kiel and Gummersbach.

I’ve seen them many times before though, and I know that they’re a clever and experienced team, and perhaps an awkward opponent for us.

ehfCL.com: Prior to this season, you moved from Gummersbach to the far North of Germany. Have you integrated well?


Viktor Szilágyi: My family and I feel very comfortable at Flensburg. We knew Northern Germany already from my time in Kiel, and we like the mentality of the people in this area.

In sport, a change is always followed by an integration period. You have to learn the new club’s concepts and must also settle-in with your new colleagues. At the moment, everything seems to be going the right way.

The VELUX EHF Men's Champions League Group D game SG Flensburg-Handewitt VS (GER) VS. HC Croatia Osiguranje ZAGREB (CRO) on Sunday 21 November 2010 at 15:30 hrs (local time) is our „Match of the Week" and will be broadcast live on our free-of-charge web stream on ehfTV.com, including English commentary by Tom O'Brannagain.