Favourite label is in our DNA

One trophy from three attempts: This is the outcome of Barcelona coach Xavi Pascual, since the VELUX EHF FINAL4 has been implemented in 2010. No team has played more finals (three of four) in the LANXESS arena, but twice (2010, 2013) Barca ended up as the unlucky loser against German teams – THW Kiel and HSV Hamburg.

In 2014 the EHF Champions League record winners face another German team – SG Flensburg-Handewitt, but already in the semi-final. Coach Pascual, who has led Barcelona to more than 15 titles since 2009, expects a tough and open fight with Flensburg, as he mentions in this exclusive interview with ehfCL.com.

ehfCL.com: It was a very close decision against Rhein Neckar Löwen in the quarter-final – when did you realise that you made it to Cologne?
Xavi Pascual: Only, after the final whistle was blown. To have the favourite role did not mean any advantage for us. We faced the leader of the German Bundesliga. If someone thought that would be an easy job, does not known anything about handball. Rhein Neckar Löwen could be the Champions League winners, if they had eliminated us. They play fantastic handball and we have respect for the great job they did.

ehfCL.com: It is your fourth time at Cologne and every time Barcelona played against a German team, but only won one match – a bad omen for the semi-final against Flensburg?
Xavi Pascual: It’s very difficult to play on German ground against a German team. We have never played a FINAL4 match at home, which would be a fantastic advantage for us. I’ll love to play this event in Barcelona.

ehfCL.com: You never were coach in a match Barcelona vs. Flensburg before. Is it harder to prepare than for example against Kiel?
Xavi Pascual: No. All matches are the same and the preparation on all matches is the same. And you can win or lose against a team – regardless, if you know the opponent well or not. And: You never can choose your rival.

ehfCL.com: Flensburg say that they are the great underdogs – does this put more pressure on your team?
Xavi Pascual: This is a usual situation for us. Always we have this label “favourite”, this is already inside the DNA of FC Barcelona.

ehfCL.com: What will be the keys to reach the final?
Xavi Pascual:  We have to put our rhythm on the court. Flensburg are a great team, which never gives up. They have a great defence, and great teams are always built “from behind”.

ehfCL.com: How do you rate the strength of Flensburg?
Xavi Pascual: They play a very good and fast handball, they are quick with and without the ball, they have a great defence and very good goalkeepers. And they have a lot of different options in attack, as they are a balanced team.

ehfCL.com: What are your main memories on the VELUX EHF FINAL4 tournaments you have been part of?
Xavi Pascual: My best memories of course date back to 2011, when we won the trophy. And even to qualify for any FINAL4 event is an incredible objective for any team.

ehfCL.com: In 2013 you said after losing the final: “We come back to take the trophy”. Is Barcelona the favourite of winning the title this year?
Xavi Pascual: As I said we have this label. This constellation puts pressure on us, but we have earned this respect thanks the job we are doing.

ehfCL.com: Does your team need a special preparation on the atmosphere for a tournament attended by 20.000 spectators?
Xavi Pascual: No. My team is ready to play.

ehfCL.com: Is international experience and individual class of your players compared to Flensburg an advantage?
Xavi Pascual: Not players decided matches, only the team!