Kuznetsova: "Victory is the only option for us"

Despite joining HC Vardar after a severe injury, Polina Kuznetsova has not had many difficulties to acclimate at her first foreign club.

Led by former teammate Irina Dibirova, Kuznetsova has played her part in Vardar’s superb record of just one defeat, against Metz Handball, in the entire Women's EHF Champions League 2017/18 season so far.

Moving from Kuban, the Russian left wing signed a two-year contract with the Macedonian champions. But as a result of the change to the club’s future plans, she will have to leave Skopje after the season.

Vardar host FC Midtjylland in the second leg of the EHF Champions League Quarter-final on Saturday at 17:00 hrs (live on ehfTV.com). The draw for the EHF FINAL4 will take place next Tuesday, 17 April, at 18:00 hrs and will also be streamed live on ehfTV.com as well as on the EHF Champions League Facebook page.

Kuznetsova talks to ehfCL.com about her challenges in Skopje, Vardar’s form throughout the season, and her own expectations.

ehfCL.com: This is your first season outside of Russia. How would you rate your experience abroad?

Polina Kuznetsova: When it comes to the culture and lifestyle, our countries are quite similar so I can’t say that I faced difficulties there. But when it comes to the court, it feels like in Europe the game is concentrated around the back court players, which means that there is not much space left for the wingers so I feel that I’m not able to show my maximum.

ehfCL.com: You joined Vardar after a serious injury that ruled you out for several mounts. Did you have difficulties to adapt to the team?

Polina Kuznetsova: Not at all. I can say that I didn’t have difficulties to adjust to the team because everything functions here on a high professional level. My teammates together with the coaches helped me in every manner to get back on the court soon and that was very encouraging.

ehfCL.com: Your former teammate Irina Dibirova is now your head coach. Was that strange for you?

Polina Kuznetsova: I always knew that she was an intelligent player and I didn’t doubt at all that she wouldn’t have any problems with coaching, either. Because of the fact that we know each other and I know her qualities, I wanted to try to work with her in the role of coach and I have not been wrong at all.

ehfCL.com: Back in 2008 you won the Champions League with Zvezda. Now, 10 years later, you are in a position to achieve the same. What do Vardar need in order to finish on the top?

Polina Kuznetsova: At that time, I was injured for the final games and I felt really sorry that I wasn’t able to play. Now, like never before, I want to win and help my team. In order for this to happen, first of all, we need to play together as a team and don’t give up until the final whistle. We have all the chances to win because we have great players and coaches.

ehfCL.com: Almost all of your teammates have meanwhile found a new club…

Polina Kuznetsova: It is sad that we are all forced to leave Skopje after this season. I have also found a new team but I am waiting for the club to officially announce my signing.

ehfCL.com: Vardar have a great winning record this season but, after the news about the club’s future, the team’s form has been changing.

Polina Kuznetsova: It is explainable that we showed some weaknesses but I can only say just one thing: the Champions League is happening now and we all must show our strength now and focus on winning.

ehfCL.com: In the first leg of the quarter-final against Midtjylland you started badly but at the end you secured an away victory. What is your opinion about this match?

Polina Kuznetsova: Our opponents are not weak at all and they showed this in the first match on their court. However, our strength is that we do not give up and we fight until the end. This was the case in Denmark which brought us the victory.

ehfCL.com: Vardar’s last home match this season is on Saturday. What farewell performance will Vardar show their fans?

Polina Kuznetsova: Of course, after the first match we are focusing on analysing and correcting our mistakes so we can show a better performance on Saturday. We must give our maximum and bring joy to our fans with another superb result in the last match in Jane Sandanski Arena.

ehfCL.com: How would Polina Kuznetsova like to leave Skopje at the end of the season?

Polina Kuznetsova: I am very upset that I will spend only one season at Vardar. I really like it here very much because everything has been really great for me.  When we were told about the future plans, I was quite sad. We have nothing to lose now, so victory is the only option for us.