Welcome returns spark big ambitions in Denmark

A big name in Danish and international handball has said farewell to the court. Joachim Boldsen brought an end to his long and successful career, but not before he and his club KIF Kolding København finished on top again in his last season, snatching back the Danish championship in May from the defending champions Aalborg thanks to two final victories.

The Danes hope that winning their 13^th national title will not prove to be an unlucky number when they go for the title again and look to step up a level on the international stage.

After a season of many long-term injuries to key players such as Kim Andersson, Lasse Boesen and Kasper Irming, KIF are back on track with everyone healthy once again.

Big-name imports

They have even strengthened their squad with the signing of former EHF Champions League winning goalkeeper Marcus Cleverly, arriving from HSV Hamburg.

Another big name to join the team is Landin Jacobsen – but not the famous Niklas, rather his younger brother Magnus, who made the switch from Nordsjælland.

The new season is the first full one for coach Aron Kristjansson (also in charge of the Icelandic national team) after starting his job at KIF in February.

With this barrage of good news at the club, hopes are high in Kolding and København to defend their Danish title and at least qualify for the Last 16 of the VELUX EHF Champions League like they had done in the 2013/14 season.

However, the opponents KIF face already in the group phase are high hurdles to clear: defending champions Flensburg, competition favourites Barcelona, Polish powerhouse Plock, Alingsas and Turkish newcomers Besiktas.

Despite their twelfth appearance in the Champions League, for KIF club director Jens Boesen it is still something special to be part of the top 24 teams:

“The VELUX EHF Champions League is the top product of our sport and it is very important for our club and our team to be a part of this and to perform well.

“Of course my biggest dream is to be among the last four teams in Cologne. But to make it there do not only need to perform well but also need some luck in the draws on the way.”

For team captain Torsten Laen, Champions League winner with Ciudad Real and VELUX EHF FINAL 4 participant with Füchse Berlin, the return of key players shall be crucial to success:

"We have big ambitions for the upcoming season. We had a lot of success last season even though we had a lot of injury problems.

“With the return of Kim Andersson, Lasse Boesen and Kasper Irming and new players at least at the same level as those who left the team, we expect at least the same success as last year.”

Three questions to coach Aron Kristjansson:

What are your expectations for the upcoming season of the VELUX EHF Champions League - regarding your objectives and your group opponents?

Aron Kristjansson: We have big ambitions in all the competitions we are part of and in every match we play. Our overall ambition in the Champions League is to make it to the knock-out stage. We know that we are in a very tough group and we have to perform well to be among the top four in this group.

It will be a disappointment for us if we fail on the way to the knock-out stage. So we will fight for a top position in the group which would enable us to have a good draw in the knock out phase.

What does the participation in the VELUX EHF Champions League mean to you and your club?

Aron Kristjansson: Champions League matches give our team and our players plenty of knowledge and experience. I believe that this international experience is also the key to win the Danish finals. Of course a lot of those Champions League matches are highlights of the season and the players are always motivated when they are facing the best in world handball.  

Which teams are your personal favourites to reach the VELUX EHF FINAL4 and to win the title this season – and why?

Aron Kristjansson: I think we always have to name the same four or five teams. FC Barcelona, Veszprem, THW Kiel and Paris are my favourites to reach and win the VELUX EHF FINAL4. But as we saw last season the way to Cologne can be harder than winning it. The draw means a lot, so if a top team fails in one match during the group phase, a lot can change.

KIF Kolding København (DEN)

Qualification for the 2014/2015 VELUX EHF Champions League season: Danish champions

Newcomers: Marcus Cleverly (HSV Hamburg), Martin Dolk (Hammarby), Magnus Landin Jacobsen (Nordsjælland)

Left the club: Stefan Hundstrup (Bjerringbro-Silkeborg), Søren Westphal (Aalborg Håndbold), Joachim Boldsen (end of career), Albert Rocas Comas (Naturhouse La Rioja)

Coach: Aron Kristjansson (since February 2014)

VELUX EHF Champions League records:

Participations (including 2014/2015 season): 12
Semi-finalist (1): 2001/02
Quarter-finalist (1): 2002/03
Last 16 (7): 2003/04, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2013/14
Last 32 (1): 1993/94
Group Phase (1): 1994/95

Other EC records:

Cup Winners’ Cup:
Semi-finalist 1999/200
Quarter-finalist 2007/08

EHF Cup:
Quarter-finalist 2012/13

Danish league champion: 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2014
Danish Cup winner: 7 times (1989, 1993, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2014)