Ghionea: We can take it all this season

Orlen Wisła Płock are still in the running for a place in the EHF Cup quarter-finals, thanks to a 30:26 win over RK Maribor Branik in in Round 4.

One of the key players for Lars Walther’s team is right wing Valentin Marian Ghionea.

The Romanian national team player has plenty of experience in the EHF Champions League with HCM Constata and Pick Szeged and joined Orlen Wisła Płock in the summer of 2012.

Ghionea speaks to eurohandball.com about his season so far and his wish to visit Nantes for the first time at the EHF Cup Finals.

eurohandball.com: You are now second in the Polish league behind Vive Targi Kielce, what were the goals at the beginning of the season?

Yes, our team is second in the domestic league, but we still have a chance to win the Polish championship.

Everything will be decided in the play-offs, we want to win the Polish Cup during the Final Four, and Wisła are also in the hunt for the EHF Cup.  So we can take it all this season. 

eurohandball.com: Can you explain your average form in the EHF Cup?

It is true that we made it difficult to qualify for the quarter-finals, but we will be fight – step by step, match by match. In spite of our performance, we still have a chance for the first place in Group C.

eurohandball.com: What do you think about your personal performances?

I should be satisfied with my performance. I hope that I will continue with my good games in the upcoming matches and help my team as much as possible.

eurohandball.com: Your next task will be the home match against Elverum Handball Herrer. How do you rate your chances there?

We will try to win this game, it is very important for us. After that, we will be looking for our chance in Denmark, during the game against Team Tvis Holstebro.

We do not have any margin for error. Defeat in any match could mean the end of the competition for us.

eurohandball.com: Do you like the new EHF Cup playing system including the Group Phase?

The new system of EHF Cup is good. It is similar to the Champions League. More matches mean that it becomes more attractive for fans.

eurohandball.com: Have you ever been to Nantes?

I have never been in this French city, but I hope that the EHF Cup gives my team and I the opportunity to visit it.