Reactions to the VELUX EHF FINAL4 draw

On Monday 02 May 2011 the draw of the Semifinals of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 were carried out in Cologne. It was VELUX EHF FINAL4 ambassador Stefan Lövgren who drew the lots – with the results of two German-Spanish duels in the semis on 28 May 2011:

Rhein Neckar Löwen vs. FC Barcelona-Borges
Renovalia Ciudad Real vs. HSV Hamburg

Reactions from club representatives after the draw:

Thorsten Storm, Rhein Neckar Löwen manager: "Barcelona are the favourites, especially after having watched in what way they eliminated THW Kiel in the Quarterfinals. In a Semifinal of the VELUX EHF Champions League there are only top clubs left to meet. For us it has been a really hard and long way to Cologne, as we were the only team to go through from the Wild Card Tournament. Against Barcelona we had two close matches in the Group Stage, but this stage is completely different. We do not feel any pressure at all, as the participation in Cologne alone is something that feels like a gift to our club."

Xavier O’Callaghan, FC Barcelona-Borges manager: "There are no easy opponents at the VELUX EHF FINAL4, so the chances will be the same for all teams. It is good that not the two Spanish and the two German teams already meet in the Semifinals, which increases the tension of the tournament. It is interesting that we have to meet all our opponents from the Group Stage again, as we faced Kiel in the Quarterfinals and will face Löwen in the Semis."

Luis Miguel Lopez, Renovalia Ciudad Real manager: "Our match against Hamburg will be a real good advertisement for handball like the second Semifinal between Löwen and Barcelona. Hamburg have improved in the last years and are currently close to become German champions – which says everything about their strength. They have strong players, but we know this team very well due to previous duels. Our team will be well prepared by coach Talant Dujshebaev, and we hope to reach the Final of the VELUX EHF FINAL4."

Andreas Rudolph, HSV Hamburg President: "We had dreamt of meeting Renovalia Ciudad Real, as we still have some unpaid bills with the Spaniards after having been eliminated by them three times within the last three years. I think it is payback time now. But before the VELUX EHF FINAL4 we have to concentrate fully on the German Bundesliga to become domestic champions for the first time."

Martin Schwalb, HSV Hamburg coach: "The situation is different compared to the last three years, as in Cologne there is no first and second leg, only one match decides. This makes it easier for us. I estimate the chances to be 50:50. We are really looking forward to a great event in Cologne."

View the Gallery with pictures of the draw on www.ehfFINAL4.com