HIGH HOPES IN SCHAFFHAUSEN

He is the “mastermind“ behind the biggest surprise in the first leg of the Last 16 in the VELUX EHF Men’s Champions League: Schaffhausen coach, Petr Hrachovec.

His team Kadeten Schaffhausen beat favourite, Montpellier, 31:26 at home. Now the former Czech international hopes for the biggest success in the club's history – qualification to the Quarterfinals.

But Hrahovec knows that hard work is lies ahead in the return match in Montpellier. Kadetten are playing to win. ehfCL.com caught up with him ahead of his team’s crucial match.

ehfCL.com: Did you reckon on this result in the first match?

Petr Hrachovec: Though I know that Montpellier are a really great team, I believed secretly in a victory with a two goal difference.

ehfCL.com: What were the key factors for this success?

Petr Hrachovec: I think it was our brilliant performance in defence including our goalkeeper Bjöggi Gustavsson and playing very disciplined in attack.

ehfCL.com: Your team led 29:19 – do you still regret that the final result was “only“ a five goal difference?

Petr Hrachovec: No! It would have been great to go to Montpellier with a ten goal lead, but you should not forget that up to this scoreline everything ran absolutely perfect for our team.

ehfCL.com: What chances do Kadetten have in the return match?

Petr Hrachovec: Montpellier are still the great favourites. I do not want to contemplate that much before the match, but we have to play to win to have a chance of going on to the Quarterfinals.

ehfCL.com: Do you expect the French team to be stronger than in the first match?

Petr Hrachovec: Indeed. They will be stronger as they can count on Accambray and Hammed on Sunday.

ehfCL.com: Full speed or restraint – what will be your tactics?

Petr Hrachovec: Unfortunately I will not answer this question.....

ehfCL.com: How important would another outstanding goalkeeper performance from Gustavsson be?

Petr Hrachovec: Enormously important, but we need a completely perfect performance from the whole team to succeed.

ehfCL.com: What would it mean for you and your club to reach the Quarterfinals of the VELUX EHF Men’s Champions League?

Petr Hrachovec: This would be the biggest ever success in our club’s history. Additionally it would mean a special motivation for my upcoming work.