08.05.2007, 01:50
Alexey Gumyanov: “We must not miss a chance like this”

Eurohandball.com talks to head coach of Lada Togliatti, Alexey Gumyanov.

Alexey Gumyanov: “We must not miss a chance like this”

Lada Togliatti are preparing for the final of the Champions League against Slagelse with the Russian Championship final. The last “test match” was the first leg that Lada won at home against EHF Cup finalist Zvenigorod Zvezda 33:28. The second leg will only be played after the CL finals. Eurohandball.com talks to head coach of Lada Togliatti, Alexey Gumyanov.

eurohandball.com: What can you tell us about the form and physical condition of your team? 

Alexey Gumyanov: After the CL semi-final in Austria and three other Russian league games the players were tired, almost exhausted. But after a one-week rest they gained a good physical form for the first match of the Russian finals. 

eurohandball.com: Is it more difficult to play CL finals and Russian League finals at the same time or does it even help?

Alexey Gumyanov: Of course it is difficult to play CL finals and Russian League finals simultaneously. It happens sometimes that the team must change time zones three times a week and the time difference varies from 1 to 3 hours. We must fly frequently and it influences physical condition. Before any important match the team should have minimum a week to be able to recover and be fit both physically and psychologically.

eurohandball.com: What is the greatest strength of Slagelse? What do you prepare for?  

Alexey Gumyanov: We have been keeping an eye on Slagelse for three years now. In my opinion, the team displays a very interesting and varied style of play at the moment. Slagelse are very strong in all positions starting from their goalkeeper.

eurohandball.com: Who do you think the most dangerous Slagelse players can be?

Alexey Gumyanov: Leganger, Melgaard, Savic, Popovic, Turey and Lungu.

eurohandball.com: What are your expectations for the final?

Alexey Gumyanov: We can’t miss the chance to win the CL final. It is not given very often so we will do our best to win it.

eurohandball.com: What support do you expect at home from your own fans?

Alexey Gumyanov: There is a proverb: “East or west, at home is the best.” It means that even the walls can help us to reach the victory. We expect excellent support from the fans who love our team.

TEXT: eurohandball.com