Countdown part 17: Kadetten Schaffhausen

The investment into their arena, a strong performance in the previous VELUX EHF Champions League season, including a historic away victory in Madrid, leaves Kadetten Schaffhausen hoping for another top season in Europe.

The squad has not change that much from last season: Two key players, Graubner and Vranj, transferred to Germany, but another German talent, line player Julius Emrich has joined Kadetten.

The Swiss side is also hoping for the return of German junior world champion Dissinger after his long-term injury. Schaffhausen have also signed the Croatian talent Marko Mamić along side Spanish international Carlos Prieto from AG Kobenhavn.

The aim is to proceed from the Group Phase to the Last 16, like they did in the previous two seasons and to dominate the Swiss league again.

Kadetten manager Peter Leutwyler expects a tough challenge against opponents like Barcelona, Zagreb and Berlin: “It’s a strong group and each team has the chance to reach the next round. Our objective is to reach the Last 16 like we did in the past two years.

Team captain Elio Bucher is ready for the fight for the top four positions: “Of course, our main goal will be to make it again to the Last 16 as in previous years. Barcelona and Berlin will be the two strongest teams in our group. I expect that it will be tight between us, Zagreb and Szeged for the third and fourth place.”

Three questions to coach Petr Hrachovec:
ehfCL.com: What are your expectations for the upcoming season of the VELUX EHF Champions League?
Petr Hrachovec: I have the same expectations and aims like in the previous season – to reach the Last 16. The group is very strong, but it is balanced. Everybody could beat everybody else. Barcelona and Berlin are a little bit stronger than the rest in my opinion.

ehfCL.com: What does the participation in the VELUX EHF Champions League mean to you and your club?
Petr Hrachovec: For me it is the competition with the best teams in the world. At club level there’s no better competition in the world. The Champions League offers a great platform for publicity, marketing and reputation of the clubs.

ehfCL.com: What teams are your personal favourites to reach the VELUX EHF FINAL4 and for winning the title this season?
Petr Hrachovec: FC Barcelona, THW Kiel, and Atletico Madrid

Kadetten Schaffhausen (SUI)
Qualification for the 2012/2013 VELUX EHF Champions League season: Swiss Champion
Coach: Petr Hrachovec, since 2008
Newcomers: Marko Mamić (RK Moslovina), Julius Emrich (TV 1893 Neuhausen), Carlos Prieto (AG København), Nikola Cvijetic (HC GS Stäfa), Sergio Muggli (GS Kadetten Espoirs)
Left the club: David Graubner (TV Grosswaldstadt), Václav Vraný (ASV Hamm-Westfalen),

VELUX EHF Champions League records:
Participations (including 2012/2013 season): 7
Last 16 (2): 2010/2011, 2011/2012
Group Phase (3): 2005/2006, 2006/2007, 2007/2008
Qualification (1): 2009/2010

Other EC records:
EHF Cup:
Final: 2009/2010
Cup Winners Cup:
Semi Final: 2007/2008

Swiss champion: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012
Swiss Cup winner: 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2011