Kraus wants to disappear with the trophy

Alongside Igor Vori and Fredrik Petersen, Michael Kraus will have his last international matches with HSV Hamburg at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne.

The German international, world champion in 2007 in the LANXESS Arena in Cologne, will transfer to Frisch Auf Göppingen at the end of the season and is aiming to leave HSV on a high note.

ehfCL.com: What are your favourite memories on the LANXESS Arena in Cologne?

Michael Kraus: It is a very special place to reminisce. In the LANXESS Arena it feels even greater to win a trophy. In 2011 we unfortunately missed out on those emotions in the VELUX EHF FINAL4, so we are aiming to finish on top this time.

ehfCL.com: Cologne will be a major part of your “farewell tour” is there any special motivation for your last international matches with HSV?

Michael Kraus: No matter where I play or for which team I play for it is always my objective to win. It would be a dream come true if I could win this title before leaving. But first we have a tough semi-final against Kiel ahead of us.

ehfCL.com: Does your transfer to former EHF Cup winners Frisch Auf Göppingen mean saying goodbye to the VELUX EHF Champions League?

Michael Kraus: It is clear that Göppingen have not qualified for the VELUX EHF Champions League next and even missed out on the EHF Cup.

But of course I am willing to go forward with my new, old club. There are certain keys to increase Göppingen’s performance level, but we will see the development in the upcoming years.

ehfCL.com: Comparing the VELUX EHF FINAL4 tournaments in 2011 and 2013: Which semi-final opponent is harder to play, Ciudad Real or THW Kiel?

Michael Kraus: Ciudad Real were an inconvenient opponent in 2011, but this year Kiel are the big favourites. Otherwise it is always hard to define the relative heaviness of a task. The four best European teams face in Cologne, so no one is easy to beat.

ehfCL.com: To win the VELUX EHF Champions League is the last chance for you to win a title with Hamburg – what are your chances?

Michael Kraus: Our chance is exactly the same as all the other teams.

ehfCL.com: After a long list of injuries your form curve is steeply going uphill. Are you already at your highest possible level?

Michael Kraus: Unfortunately I have not reached the maximum by now, but every day I am working hard to be on top again.

ehfCL.com: Is there any special pact between those who leave Hamburg at the end of this season?

Michael Kraus: We want to say farewell in a positive way. It would be fantastic to reach something great in our last season, which you can be proud of.

ehfCL.com: Is there a particular headline you would like to read about you on 3 June?

Michael Kraus (laughing): “After winning the Champions League: Kraus and trophy vanish without a trace.”