Impressive in Europe, disappointing in Spain

Eduardo Gurbindo has improved a lot in last two years. He first experienced the EHF Champions League at a very young age with Portland San Antonio, but it was only a fleeting glimpse. Today, he is a key player for Juan Carlos Pastor at Valladolid. Gurbindo is an ambitious player who is looking for the top of group.

ehfCL.com: Has the last victory in Denmark been very important for the team?

Eduardo Gurbindo: Of course! Beating AaB Handball put us at the top of the group, so it was very important. We’re looking to keep first place in the group because it’s very beneficial when it comes to the opponents in the next round. We want to ensure our presence in the Last 16.

ehfCL.com: How was the game in Denmark?

Eduardo Gurbindo: We started the match very well, and opened-up a good lead. However, the Danish recovery started, and we had to stay strong to beat them. After the match we were very happy because we felt good and had also got a very welcome result after two defeats in Spain against Toledo and Barcelona.

ehfCL.com: How important are victories in the VELUX EHF Champions League campaign?

Eduardo Gurbindo: The points are very important to keep us at the top for one more week. We have to fight right until the end of the year because we have some difficult games to come, against Ciudad Real, Ademar in the Asobal League, and Chekhovskie Medvedi in the VELUX EHF Champions League. We have a very tough schedule.

ehfCL.com: Valladolid are very good in the VELUX EHF Champions League at the moment, but have made two mistakes in the Asobal League. What was the problem?

Eduardo Gurbindo: It was a similar situation to last season. We were very strong in the Spanish league but didn’t win any games at home in the EHF Champions League.

We are playing in two very competitive tournaments and we really feel it. I hope we can maintain our level in Europe and also try to iron-out our mistakes in Spain.

ehfCL.com: This is your second season at Valladolid. How do you feel right now?

Eduardo Gubindo: I’m very happy. The experience of the first year in a great team is very important. I feel very well because I’m playing every game. The rhythm is very hard but I’m ready to face the next decisive games of my team.

ehfCL.com: Last season was notable one for you. You signed for Valladolid and also played for the Spanish national team. Is the World Championship your new objective now?

Eduardo Gurbindo: A World Championship is always a motivation, of course. Valero Rivera included me in the last call-up, but I’m not too worried about playing for Spain right now. I’m concentrating on my club, and on our next games, because they will be very important for us.

The VELUX EHF Men's Champions League top game of Group C, Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS) vs. Cuatro Rayas BM Valladolid (ESP) on Thursday 2 December 2010 at 19:00 hrs (local time), will be broadcast live on our free-of-charge web stream on ehfTV.com.