Defeated praise the victors in best quotes of the week

In sports, there must be a winner and a loser. And while those who earn the victory are often keen to praise their opponents, it is not that often that defeated coaches or players will honour the team they just lost to.

But sometimes, you just have to give credit and concede they were the better team and this weekend saw many in the VELUX EHF Champions League do just that.

5. Manolo Cadenas, HC Meshkov Brest

Meshkov Brest won a Match of the Week tie for the first time against title-holders Montpellier on Saturday. Reflecting on the brilliant day, Brest coach Manolo Cadenas opted for a more in-depth analysis instead of the usual speech.

“I think we came more fresh to the game. Unlike the French league, the Belarusian championship is weaker, so our physical condition was better.

“I guess we kept active throughout the match. We tried to display our force, constantly rotating players at a high tempo and I think this concept was key to our success.”

4. Danilo Brestovac, HC Metalurg Skopje

Metalurg lost for the second time in as many games this season, a tough eight-goal defeat at home against Besiktas. But if fans wanted to be angry about the performance their favourites, coach Danilo Brestovac had a message to share with them during the press conference.

”We have to be patient with our young team, we have to build a good base of young players and we need couple of new signings from abroad. I would like to ask you for a little patience and support, because Metalurg will benefit in the future, as will the Macedonian national team.”

3. Sebastian Augustinussen, Skjern Handbold

With seven goals, Skjern’s right wing Sebastian Augustinussen delivered his best performance at this level, helping his team beat Motor Zaporozhye (37:33). But the 22-year-old did not want to shout out too loud about it and still finds some room for improvement.

“This was probably my best game for Skjern until now. I am not completely satisfied with my defence, but I am satisfied with my performance in the attack and fast breaks.” 

2. Rudolf Faluvegi, HBC Nantes

The last time he came back to Hungary, Rudolf Faluvegi scored six in Szeged last season. But this time, the Hungarian left back was not as successful, only netting once.

Faluvegi was prone to admit that his compatriot Richard Bodo had a great game and that, nonetheless, he had a great time coming back to his home country.

“Richárd found the cannon in his hand, which proved crucial. It is a great feeling to step in the arena of Szeged, I heard the expression of the Pick family today and even as an opponent I can feel this.”

1. Vladimir Maksimov, Chekhovskie Medvedi

Already a part of last week’s quotes, Chekhovskie Medvedi coach Vladimir Maksimov is back with the top spot. He must have found it hard to lose with a last-second free throw by Carlos Ruesga, but he was also impressed by the quality of his opponent and thinks that they will improve as the competition progresses.

“If Sporting says they are not very well prepared now, then it is possible to imagine how much stronger the team will be when all the leading players are in the ranks.”