We have come out even stronger

Györi Audi ETO KC start the Main Round of the Women’s EHF Champions League against Larvik without a huge number of world class players but Heidi Löke is as optimistic as ever and refuses to give in to the hardships.

“I am not saying that the long list of sidelined stars doesn't hurt us but we know that this only means that we have to work even harder than before. I am sure Györ will remain a true FINAL4 contender," the Norwegian line player told ehfCL.com

“Someone told me that Győr must be cursed for what happened in the last couple of months but as I look around the locker room I can only see determined faces. You know, injuries happen in sport, there is not much you can do about it but accept it. All I can say is that hardships made us even more united.”

Györ take on Larvik in their first match of the main round and the Norwegian outfit are level on points with the defending champions going into Sunday’s encounter.

“I don’t know if it is a good or a bad thing that we start the main round against Larvik. Sooner or later you meet the strongest teams of the competition and it is more about the forms of the given day when we meet. By the way I predict Larvik to be one of the FINAL4 participants and I hope to meet them there, too. “

Another compatriot on board

Orsolya Herr had a massive game against Ferencváros in the Hungarian league (the national team goalie made 23 saves), however, Györ’s management was forced to seek immediate reinforcement to fill in for Jelena Grubusic, who tore her anterior cruciate ligament.

As it was announced on Tuesday, Györ signed Kari Aalvik Grimsbo, the Norwegian national team goalkeeper, who is recovering from an injury suffered at EHF EURO 2014 in Hungary.

“Kari is an outstanding player, one of the finest goalkeepers of the game and I am looking forward to playing alongside her once again. She was unfortunate to suffer a serious injury in the first game of the EURO, but once she is recovered Győr will have yet another world class goalkeeper,” Löke claimed.

Calm and focused 

Löke claims Győr have not given up on any of their goals, the Norwegian line player believes the team is strong enough to defend all their titles.

“The spirits are high and we are all hungry to show just how strong we still are. We all believe that whatever happened, happened and we must focus on working hard. Györ have great players and a great coach. We have no reason not to believe in ourselves.”

“Of course we need to develop new routines both in attack and defence, which takes time, but we are calm and focused,” concluded Löke.

Győr take on Larvik on 1 February at 19:00 hrs local time in the new Audi Arena.