There will be a surprise

Hello, friends!

So - only a few days now to go, right? The apex of the season, the tournament we’ve been all waiting for, the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne!

We at Kielce have managed to wrap up a perfect season in Poland. We grabbed another title by overcoming Wisla Plock 3-0 in the final series. I know that everybody expects us to dominate at home, but one still has to fight it out on the court. This time around we managed two straight victories at home and we had enough psychological advantage to shut them out in the end.

So now the big tournament awaits. I think that the FINAL4 will host the best that Europe has to offer at the moment. Even before the campaign started Barcelona, Kiel, Veszprem and us were among the favourites. And it happened.

We have high hopes before leaving for Cologne. It will be our second time and now we are more mature. When one reaches FF for the first time, as we did two years ago, one is somewhat satisfied already. But this year we know we have to do better and we are going for it. We want “The Hand”! 

Two years ago the season was much like this year’s so far. We had a perfect run in the group, and got beaten in the Last 16.

Montpellier surprised us at home. We had already managed to beat them away by four goals and thought they would just accept the inevitable, but that match was a wake-up call and later we ousted Vardar with conviction.

So now we play Barça. We have a score to settle with them after that loss in the final. We are confident that it will be different this time. They are a formidable opponent though. They have Karabatic, who is a giant in handball and everything revolves around him.

Don’t get me wrong, the Catalans have a complete team, their record is a testament to that. It’s just that they tend to rely on the quality of the individual, as is the case with my good friend Rutenka, who is famous for his great performances in crucial matches.

Our team is our strength, however. We have a good system, we have a strong bond, and we are powerful in attack and in defence. If we maintain this togetherness, no one can stop us. 

Everyone expects the dream final Barcelona vs Kiel. But I think that every team has an equal chance to reach the final. My gut is telling me that there will be a surprise. I could even say that Veszprem are favourites against Kiel, given that their season and their form was much less volatile. But, as is always the case in these matches, it will all boil down to who will be better on the day. Who will sleep better, who will wake up on the right foot … And, of course, whose goalkeepers will be inspired.

I would very much like to add another trophy to my collection. The years are adding up, sure, but the fat lady is not singing for me just yet. There are two more years left on my contract and with Slovenia we are still in the fight for the Olympics in Rio. I am feeling great at the moment, just like a youngster, and I am not thinking about retiring at all.

So I’m afraid you’ll have to put up with me still! :)