Mixed Zone: THW Kiel vs. HSV Hamburg

Alfred Gislason, THW Kiel - coach:
“We´ve made too many technical faults and then it´s obvious that we lose such a game.”

Momir Ilic, THW Kiel - player:
"Nobody expected the of turn of events – Kiel fighting for the third place. However, Hamburg won, because they were better than us in all of the aspects, they functioned perfectly as a team, and it is hard to play against that. Kiel is also a great team that has been through a lot together, but today didn’t play like a team.

"I sincerely congratulate them and wish them good luck in tomorrow’s match against Barcelona."

Filip Jicha, THW Kiel - player:
“Congratulations to Hamburg. Unfortunately, they have been the better team today because they played fresher and have been more present.

“We´d like to play the final but this is no desired programme.”

Thierry Omeyer, THW Kiel - player:
"We knew it, we should not leave so much space for their back line, and they make us pay for it. At this level, it is impossible to win a game when the opponent scores almost 40 goals. It was too difficult to stop their big men and their playmaker had a great game."

Daniel Narcisse, THW Kiel - player:
"Congratulations to Hamburg, they played a great game. That's a shame to end so close to the final after such a great season. We have to stay positive and give everything tomorrow, Kielce will want to give a victory to their fans."

Max-Henri Hermann, HSV Hamburg - player:
"This is unbelieveble, I'm 19 and tomorrow I will play the Champions League final. It can't realise this.

"One year ago I was playing in Dormagen in the 3rd German league. We had our best game of the season and hopefully tomorrow we will repeat this performance once again."

Pascal Hens, HSV Hamburg - player:
“We’re happy that we won the final. We will give everything tomorrow - we’ve never played against Barcelona.

"We did everything right today and I hope I can still say that tomorrow. We’re very proud, but we should concentrate on tomorrow now. Dule (Domagoj Duvnjak) was on world-class level today and I’m very happy that I share a room with him.”

"The Champions League semi-final against THW Kiel in front of 20,000 spectators - in such a match you bring out your very best – or even a little more."

Marcin Lijewski, HSV Hamburg - player:
“I’ve got a thigh knock and it hurts. We were very effective today.

"Pommes (Pascal Hens) was unbelievable; Dule (Domagoj Duvnjak) as well just as always and Hans (Lindberg) took his chances today. It’s the biggest event in handball; you don’t need any extra preparation to play here. We lost a lot of strength today. We have to raise the ante tomorrow. But we have a lot of respect for Barcelona.”

Matthias Flohr, HSV Hamburg - player:
“It’s a great feeling. We were the underdog against Kiel and it’s great for us that we could score the victory. But it’s only the final. We didn’t look at the time today and gave everything during 60 minutes. It’s our first final tomorrow and I think we can achieve everything.

"Clearly winning against Kiel today is absolutely cool for us. Nevertheless we ‘just’ made it to the final. In the first leg in German national league we had similar standings after 48 minutes, I remember.

"The big difference today was that we did really fight until the last minute even as we were leading by six goals already. We didn’t watch the time; I think lots of other teams did that – against THW you really need to be at the wheel till the end.

"This is our first Champions League final ever, so first of all we are absolutely proud we made it."

Johannes Bitter, HSV Hamburg - player:
"Over 50 minutes Dule won the rally for us. We know that Dule is one of the best handball players in the world.

"He can play a decisive role whenever you need him, can even score a goal from nothing. He is absolutely variable. Together we gathered lots of experience, and this is something he really appreciates - we also appreciate that we can always count on him."

Blazenko Lackovic, HSV Hambury - player:
"Finally in the finals! Two years ago Hamburg was left in the semi-finals, so today’s victory is of great importance to all of us. It was a high energy match and I think we can expect the same level tomorrow.

"I am proud of the team for their effort today and hope they will give their best against Barcelona as well. The most important thing is to have a good rest tonight and keep up the spirits."

Igor Vori, HSV Hamburg - player:
"I am very pleased with today’s match, especially with the team work we showed on the court. Every player contributed to this victory.

"The most important thing is that we took control over the game, especially during the last 5 minutes. We came here to final 4 in Köln to win the title, so tomorrow we have to. I would not be satisfied with second place after seeing what this team can do. There are no special tactics we will use tomorrow. We will analyze the Kielce-Barcelona game and take rest before the finals.

Domagoj Duvnjak, HSV Hamburg - player:
"It was a perfect match!  We fought for every centimeter of the court throughout the game. However, this is only the first step toward the title.

"We hope we can prepare well for tomorrow’s match against Barcelona. We are in great condition, but Barcelona have a great team so we can count on a harsh game tomorrow. Hopefully we can count on the same fan support as today to help us win the title."