Countdown part 4: Bjerringbro-Silkeborg

Bjerringbro-Silkeborg finished, like in 2011, second in the Danish league below AG Kobenhavn. In contrast to the previous season this spot did not guarantee direct qualification for the VELUX EHF Champions League Group Phase. The Danish side were in preparation for the wildcard tournament, when the national champions were declared bankrupted. Bjerringbro now is the representative of the Danish league in the Group Stage.

Head coach Carsten Albrecktsen has to cope with a major loss, namely that of the Danish national team goalkeeper Niklas Landin who has made the move to German side Rhein Neckar Löwen. Apart from the departure of top players like Audray Tuzolana or Miha Žvižej, the Danish outfit are hoping to finish in a better position than they did in their debut season, namely finishing without a point.

For the first part of Group Stage Bjerringbro have to play their games in the MIDT Arena in Kjellerup, 13 kilometres away from Silkeborg. The Danes have to make do with this arrangement until the refurbishment of their home Arena is completed.

“We are very proud to play in the VELUX EHF Champions League again this year. To play in this competition is one of the main goals for the club and we have a great opportunity to promote some of our big sponsors all over Europe.  Last year we had a really tough group, and this year we now have a great chance to show, that we learned a lot last year,” said EC manager Christian Lynnerup .

“The group has a big favourite in Kielce but the remaining five teams play on the same level, I hope that we will see an exciting Group Phase, where nothing is decided before the last round. Our players, leaders, administration, fans and sponsors are ready once again to participate in the most prestigious handball competition in the world.”

Key player Mads Ø Nielsen is also looking forward to playing in the VELUX EHF Champions League for the second year in a row. “Because it is an amazing competition to participate in for a club team. Last year we were in a really tough group and we lost all matches. This year there are also a lot of good teams in the group, but it looks a little bit easier and I think we have a good chance against most of the teams. The objective is definitely to advance to the Last 16 and then we will see what happens.”

Three questions to coach Carsten Albrecktsen:
ehfCL.com: What are your expectations for the upcoming season of the VELUX EHF Champions League?
Carsten Albrecktsen: Our ambition in Bjerringbro-Silkeborg is to qualify for the Last 16. We are in a strong group, in which Kielce could be considered favorites to win. The other teams are very equal and everybody can qualify for the Last 16.

ehfCL.com: What does the participation in the VELUX EHF Champions League mean to you and your club?
Carsten Albrecktsen: The participation in the Champions League means a lot for the development of our young team. Our players will compete against the best teams and players in Europe, and this fact helps us to develop our team and each player. It is also a great motivation and honor to participate in this league for everyone in and around our club.

ehfCL.com: What teams are your personal favourites to reach the VELUX EHF FINAL4 and for winning the title this season and why?
Carsten Albrecktsen: I consider Kiel, Barcelona, Madrid and Kielce as potential favorites to reach the FINAL4. All those teams have the experience and the necessary quality to make it to Cologne.

Bjerringbro-Silkeborg (DEN)

Qualification for the 2012/2013 VELUX EHF Champions League season: Danish runners-up (instead of AG Kobenhavn)

Coach: Head coach Carsten Albrecktsen since 2007, new assistant coach Claus Uhrenholt (coming from Team Tvis Holstebro)

Newcomers (including former club): Dane Sijan (Viborg HK), Casper U Mortensen (Viborg HK), Chris Jørgensen  (Nordsjælland Håndbold), Benjamin Jakobsen (Skanderborg Håndbold), Henrik Toft Hansen (AG Kobenhavn)

Left the club (including new club): Niklas Landin (Rhein Neckar Löwen), Miha Žvižej (Toulouse), Audray Tuzolana (Tremblay), Esben Lie Hansen (Dunkerque), Fredrik Petersen (HSV Hamburg)

Season’s objective (in national league and VELUX EHF Champions League):  to reach both the Cup, the national Championship final in Denmark and to qualify for the Last 16in VELUX EHF Champions League

VELUX EHF Champions League records:
Participations (including 2012/2013 season): 3
Qualification (1): 2010/2011
Group Stage (1): 2011/2012

Further information

Find more information on Bjerringbro-Silkeborg HERE.

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