Tough clash expected
 

Title holder Larvik marched through the group stage without problems and were then drawn in the same Main Round group as last year´s finalist Itxako, and 'powerhouse' Győri Audi ETO.

Theoretically, the group´s fourth team FC Midtjylland can also advance to the semi-final, but so far it has been a battle of the three favourites for the two semi-final spots. 

After last weekend´s Clash of the Titans between Larvik and Itxako, another hot duel awaits the Norwegians on Sunday, this time in the vociferous arena of Győr.

Larvik coach Ole Gustav Gjekstad gave an insight into the current state of his side and the expected tough battle against country mates Katrine Lunde Haraldsen, Heidi Løke and coaching colleague Karl Erik Bøhn.

ehfCL.com: A few days after the draw against Itxako, what are your thoughts about the game, and what prevented your team from scoring more goals and winning the clash?

Ole Gustav Gjekstad: We have to improve our counter attacks, as we only used a few fast breaks after our opponent had lost the balls. Also, our back court has to be more precise and sharp when they rifle-in from 9 metres.

ehfCL.com: After Tine Stange´s recent injury you are now missing a handful of quality players, so the bench is shorter than usual. After the group phase you had the possibility to sign and nominate further players for the upcoming stages of the EHF Champions League, but the club has remained with the original squad. Had you thought about this prior to the start of the Main Round?

Ole Gustav Gjekstad: We were toying with the idea of signing one more player, but after we saw the great improving form of Tine Stange, we thought that it wouldn’t be necessary to bring another back-court player to Larvik.

Unfortunately, three hours prior to the nomination deadline she was seriously injured, and so we lost the chance to nominate someone else.

ehfCL.com: Who do you think could return from the missing players?

Ole Gustav Gjekstad: There is a slight chance that Nora Mørk will return, however we cannot determine when exactly. It could be several weeks from now.

Theoretically, our centre-back Gro Hammerseng could also be ready for a comeback this year, most likely towards the season´s end. However the most accurate prediction is that she’ll return to the handball arenas at the beginning of season 2012/13.

ehfCL.com: On Sunday Larvik will meet Győri Audi ETO in a hot clash. What are your expectations, concepts? Can last season´s away success be a good motivation for your side?

Ole Gustav Gjekstad: I´m confident it’ll be a very tough battle. We have nice memories from last year´s away game, so for this one we’ll prepare with tactics that would help us to another victory.

It´s clear that we will play against a marvelous team, so I expect a well-fought and exciting game.

ehfCL.com: What do you prefer more, a massive defence, such as that of Larvik, or speedy attacks based on individual skills, ala Győr?

Ole Gustav Gjekstad: The most important for me is to play a high-class handball game with great technique and nice moves on both sides.

The Hungarians have several individually highly-skilled players, but our goal is to put a tough defence in front of them to disturb and stop their game plan.

We will not allow them to score as many goals as they’ve been used to in their previous matches.

ehfCL.com: At Győri Audi ETO both Norwegians Katrine Lunde Haraldsen and Heidi Løke have important roles and the team is led by head coach Karl Erik Bøhn, another Scandinavian, and former Larvik trainer. How special will this game be for you against your former colleague Bøhn and for your players to face Løke and Haraldsen on court?

Ole Gustav Gjekstad: Indeed it will be special, especially for the fact that both teams know each other and their concept and way of acting well.

We must take into account, that we not only mark Heidi alone, but we have to focus on other skillful players of the opponents. 

The game itself will be like usual EHF Champions League matches, but, yes, due to the above it will have a special atmosphere for those involved.

ehfCL.com: Do you see any differences in Women´s handball since last year, what is the actual trend at club level?

Ole Gustav Gjekstad: I don´t see any big changes. In the last two years we saw the decline of the Danish teams. They are less able to dominate European handball.

Clubs of other nations are in front now, several teams have the potential to be crowned at the season´s end, and this is a great thing in my opinion.

The current trend is that several countries have one dominant team in their domestic league. This should somehow change for a broader competition that would allow the quality of Women´s handball to improve.