Lauge looking forward to the real deal

Last year, Rasmus Lauge Schmidt was in THW Kiel´s team roster for the VELUX EHF FINAL4, but failed to see any action on the court.

The Danish international, who was recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, hoped he could at least take penalties. But the talented playmaker, who joined Kiel from Danish Bjerringbro-Silkeborg in the summer of 2013, never got a minute on the court in Cologne's LANXESS arena.

This year, 23-year-old Lauge is fit and naturally keen on entering the court, when this season's VELUX EHF FINAL4 launches in Cologne on 30/31 May.

Those matches will also Lauge's last games in European competition for Kiel as he is joining north German rivals SG Flensburg-Handewitt on a three-year contract this summer.

A change from Kiel to Flensburg is almost as controversial as a football player going from FC Barcelona to Real Madrid, but so far, Rasmus Lauge has not met with any negative reactions, as he reveals in this interview.

ehfcl.com: What does it mean to you to play the VELUX EHF FINAL4?

Rasmus Lauge: It really means a lot. It's the biggest stage you can show yourself on and it is the finest title you are fighting for.

ehfcl.com: Does the fact that you were injured at last year's FINAL4 make you particularly keen on producing a good performance this time?

Rasmus Lauge: It's obviously particularly special for me this time, as it will be the first time I will be part of "the real deal". No doubt, it's going to be a great experience for me.

ehfcl.com: Recently, it has been announced that you will be leaving for the local rivals from Flensburg after this season to get more time on the court. How has that been received by the fans?

Rasmus Lauge: So far it has been received quite well. Until now, there have not been many negative comments – more of the opposite, actually.

ehfcl.com: Your upcoming change of club means that the matches in Cologne will be among your last for THW Kiel. Does that add extra motivation?

Rasmus Lauge: For sure, it does. I am going to be particularly motivated in these last matches of the season, so that I can hopefully leave Kiel with two titles, the Champions League and the German championship. That would be the perfect way to say goodbye.

ehfcl.com: How do you see Kiel's chances of going all the way at the FINAL4 this year?

Rasmus Lauge: I actually think they look good. A lot depends on our form on the day, so we will be using the next couple of weeks to reach our absolute peak.

ehfcl.com: What did your recent trip to Turkey mean in that respect?

Rasmus Lauge: It was a great trip which absolutely contributed to strengthen our process towards the FINAL4.

ehfcl.com: Who do you see as favourites?

Rasmus Lauge: The last years have shown that you can never call some teams favourites and some underdogs – and this FINAL4 is very special when it comes to comparing the strength of the teams.

Photo: THW Kiel