Celje celebrate Swedish victory

It was a massive relief for Celje's players after securing a great win over Sävehof. For 20-year-old Borut Mačkovšek it has been a dream start to the VELUX EHF Champions League, but as he told ehfCL.com, this is only the start.

ehfCL.com: You are probably breathing a sigh of relief after defeating Sävehof and gaining your first two points in the VELUX EHF Champions League?
Borut Mačkovšek: We really wanted to win after two defeats. We felt some pressure after losing to Veszprém and Atlético Madrid. The victory was important but I think our good performance is even more important.

ehfCL.com: More than half of the team is playing in the VELUX EHF Champions League for the first time. Is it difficult for you to cope with the best teams in the world?
Borut Mačkovšek: It is the dream of every player to compete in the best league in the world. There is big difference between the Slovenian League or EHF Cup and VELUX EHF Champions League. But it is a challenge a professional player wants to take on. From game to game the fear is getting less.

ehfCL.com: Where is Celje strongest this season?
Borut Mačkovšek: We have improved in attack, started to play better at back positions and our wingers have exploded! I am sure we still have lots of room for more improvement, though. We are satisfied with our defensive strength, and our goalkeepers are playing really well. I hope we will continue like that!

ehfCL.com: Your next destination is Romania, Constanta. Do you see them as a wounded lion – dangerous, even though they are bottom of the table?
Borut Mačkovšek: Our coach warned us about Constanta. They are a strong team with great individuals. He also told us about the atmosphere that is waiting for us. But I am sure we can forget this and perform just like against Sävehof.

ehfCL.com: There was a surprise in the last round when Veszprém defeated Atlético in Madrid. Can you predict the line up in Group B after ten rounds?
Borut Mačkovšek: Veszprém winning in Madrid is a surprise, but I think the Hungarians are one of the favourites for the FINAL4 in Cologne. If I have to predict the final standings in Group B, I would say Kiel, Veszprem, Atletico, Celje, Sävehof and Constanta.

ehfCL.com: What do you wish for from your first season in the VELUX EHF Champions League?
Borut Mačkovšek: Firstly, I want our team to win enough matches to get through the Group Phase. For me personally, I want to get as much experience as I can and help with goals and improve in defence.