Accambray: "All the way to Cologne!"

He is only 22 years old, but left back William Accambray is already a key figure in the French national team and also in his club Montpellier HB.

Before the last two home matches in the VELUX EHF Men’s Champions League against Prešov and Veszprém, the powerful back court player talks about his objectives in this season and about Montpellier’s chances to reach their final destination at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne.

ehfCL.com: You were one of the rising stars at the World Championship in Sweden. What has changed for you since then?

William Accambray: I received many congratulations from people who wanted to say ‘thank you’. But now, some weeks after winning the World Championship title everything has calmed down again. We could return to normal life.

ehfCL.com: Was it hard to return from the Gold medal podium in Malmö to the ordinary life in Montpellier?

William Accambray: The first week was hard because of all the interviews and media requests. But as soon as we resumed playing, the concentration on handball returned.

ehfCL.com: How does it feel to play next to a world class player like Nikola Karabatic?

William Accambray: Thanks to the great experience he gained in Germany it is good to have him at your side.

ehfCL.com: How much did and do you learn from him and other more experienced players like Bojinovic and Guigou?

William Accambray: You learn from Mladen Bojinovic how important it is to have a good view and tactical intelligence.Michael Guigou it is much more mobile, he is a valuable player in crucial situations in a different way.

ehfCL.com: What is the difference between playing for the national team and playing for Montpellier?

William Accambray: The team of France is more or less managed by itself, players have certain autonomy. In Montpellier everything is stricter.

ehfCL.com: Your team has already qualified for the Last 16 in the VELUX EHF Men’s Champions League. How do you rate your chances to finish first in Group B?

William Accambray: I believe we have good chances as we have our two last matches at home. After winning in Hamburg we are confident and know that it is a major asset to play on home ground. I’d say we have it in our hands.

ehfCL.com: What team would you like to face in the Last 16?

William Accambray: I do not have any preference. In case I could choose, I would like to face a team that I have never met before.

ehfCL.com: Is Montpellier a candidate for the VELUX EHF Men’s Champions League title?

William Accambray:Yes, as we are much more successful than last season. We showed our ability to win big games even in away matches. Maybe we are not the big favourites, but we can go all the way to Cologne.

ehfCL.com: Last season Montpellier missed the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in the penalty shoot out against Chekhov. Will your team be able to go to Cologne this year?

William Accambray: I hope so because last year we failed to be part of the event by only one single goal. This season I hope we make it to Cologne. And I also hope that we will have less injured key players in the decisive matches than last season.

ehfCL.com: After becoming World Champion – what are your personal objectives for the future?

William Accambray:My goals are to play in the starting line-up for France, to become European Champion, to win all the national titles with Montpellier as we did last year, and to go for the VELUX EHF Men’s Champions League title.