Kim Andersson: "Heading for the semi-final"

While his Swedish team-mates finished second at the Supercup in Germany – a major part of the preparation for the EHF EURO 2012 in Serbia – Kim Andersson was a few kilometres away in his home town of Kiel. After recovering from injury he needed some time to rest in order to be ready for the first game in Serbia.

At the EURO he wants to reach out for the medal his team missed at World Championship 2011 on home ground, when Kim Andersson had to miss the semi-final and the Bronze final due to a broken middle finger.

ehf-euro.com: Why did you miss the Supercup?

Kim Andersson: I really enjoy playing for the Swedish team, but after my injuries I discussed my condition with our coaches Staffan Olsson and Ola Lindgren with a view to not participating in this tournament. As the schedule with my club THW Kiel was very demanding during the last few weeks, we decided that I would take a break.

ehf-euro.com: Since your comeback, you are in great form – the best Kim Andersson ever?

Kim Andersson: Yes, I really feel good, but I think there’s still more room for improvement, and I’m currently working hard to reach those heights.

ehf-euro.com: Ranked fourth, Sweden missed a medal very narrowly at the World Championships. Is it your goal to go for a medal again at the EHF EURO in Serbia?

Kim Andersson: We want to repeat our success and we want to reach the semi-final again.

ehf-euro.com: Marcus Ahlm, who quit the national team, and Oscar Carlén (injury) will miss the EHF EURO. How strong is Sweden without those key players?

Kim Andersson: Despite those losses we still have a strong team, which is well-balanced and well-prepared.

ehf-euro.com: As you ranked fourth in Sweden, your team is already qualified for Olympic qualification – as a host. Does this relieve the pressure from your team in Serbia?

Kim Andersson: We fit well with this, but the EHF EURO is different tournament, in which we want to finish as well as possible.

ehf-euro.com: At the Supercup, Sweden beat Germany. Is this already a hint for the EHF EURO Preliminary Round in Niš?

Kim Andersson: No, as the three teams in this group – Sweden, Germany and Czech Republic – are at the same high level. It will be a tough group, full of tension.

ehf-euro.com: You will face your Czech THW team mate Filip Jicha and a lot of German players you know from Bundesliga. Will those games be something special for you?

Kim Andersson: It’s really fun to compete against friends you know well, and those are the matches I especially want to win!

ehf-euro.com: Are you already dreaming about the Olympic Games?

Kim Andersson: No, even though London is a great goal. But I have so many challenges with Kiel and the Swedish team before then, so I only focus from match to match.

Further information

Download the Official EHF EURO 2012 Playing Schedule (pdf)

Buy your EHF EURO 2012 tickets HERE.

Ticketing is managed by the Serbian Organising Committees. Should you need further assistance for buying your tickets, please contact via email: tickets@rss.org.rs

Find more information on the tournament on the official website www.ehf-euro.com/SRB2012/

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