Linnea Torstensson: "I am going to follow my dreams"

Sweden international Linnea Torstenson is one of the seven newcomers for top Slovenian club Krim Mercator. She needed a new challenge and believes she can finally reach the top in European handball.

Together with Andrea Penezić the Swedish star will form one of the best left back tandems in Europe. After playing in Norway for years she decided she needed a change.

What was the main reason to move from Midtyjlland to Krim Mercator?

When they told me about the project I was really excited about it. Firstly, Krim are really ambitious, something that fits in nicely with my personal aims. Secondly, I needed a change after playing in the North of Europe for many years.

Modern handball is defined by quick play, however, last season Krim did not adopt this style - Do you think you can be competitive with best European clubs playing with this style?

I hope we will change system a bit and play quick and modern handball. I think just like we do, players, and spectators alike want to see something attractive. 

You will have to share your court time with Andrea Penezić; how do you feel about that?

It will be a kind of competition between us; both of us looking for more minutes on the court. We will get used to it and I believe work together in the best way. For sure, everyone likes to play as much as possible but I am not afraid of it. It is a challenge. Whoever is on the top of their form will get more minutes on the court.

Krim Mercator have formed a team from players from more than five countries around the world, how does this affect the team?

It is quite funny. Each player brings something unique to the team. But, let me be clear, we are here because of handball.

It will be a big challenge for the coach and for us to get the balance right in the team, in other words: to get the team working as a unit. 

Who are your biggest rivals in the Women's EHF Champions League 2012/13 season?

Györi ETO who played and lost in the finals last season, and thus will be even more motivated for top spot this time around. Budućnost have lost some key players but are still dangerous; we must not forget Larvik and Valcea. 

Krim Mercator have set themselves big goals this season and all of this with an almost completely new team. What is your biggest goal?

Our goal is to finish in the top four in Champions League. Of course, we have to be the best in the country, too.  I came here because I believe we can become the best team in Champions League. This is my dream. 

How have you settled in in Slovenia?

It is fantastic. I liked the country before I arrived. We played here in club's competitions and also with the national team. Ljubljana is nice city and the sun is always shinning. It is close to the sea and mountains. I can’t hardly wait for friends and family to come and go exploring.