11.06.2007, 01:56
Morgensen not Afraid to Replace Boldsen

Flensburg found a new Danish talent in middle back position for next season. Eurohandball.com talks to Thomas Mogensen

Morgensen not Afraid to Replace Boldsen

SG Flensburg Handewitt will start next season without Danish international, Joachim Boldsen. The 29-year old playmaker was top player of the German CL, but he chose to return to Denmark and play for AaB Håndbold.

His successor will be another Dane. The 24 year old Thomas Mogensen (with several Danish international appearances) will join Flensburg. Mogensen is leaving GOG Svendborg TGI after four years, but he will leave with the Danish championship title won this season. Eurohandball.com talks to the new player of Flensburg.

Eurohandball.com: What do you expect to gain with joining Flensburg?

Thomas Mogensen: It is a step up the ladder for me. Flensburg is a top club in the Bundesliga and in Europe as well. To play for Flensburg was been a dream to me ever sine I started handball.

Eurohandball.com: You are going to replace Joachim Boldsen in Flensburg. How do you feel about that?

Thomas Mogensen: I do not feel anything in particular about that. I am simply going to Flensburg to make my contribution, and to see what it is enough for.

Eurohandball.com: Flensburg has a good playmaker already: Swedish international Lubomir Vranjes. So how much do you expect to play at the beginning?

Thomas Mogensen: I do not expect to be regularly in the starting line-up right from the beginning. Of course, Vranjes is a great and experienced playmaker, but he has been injured quite a lot lately. He can probably not play an entire season without stops, so I am sure that my chances will come. First, I have to get integrated in the team and to get to know my new team-mates.

Eurohandball.com: There are many Danes in the club already and more than half of the squad are Scandinavians. Does it make it for you to become a part of the team?

Thomas Mogensen: Yes, absolutely, and that is also one of the reasons to choose Flensburg.

Eurohandball.com: You have some Champions League experience with GOG. Do you think it will be an advantage for you in Flensburg?

Thomas Mogensen: It may prove to be an advantage in the Champions League matches, not least at the away matches. My international experience from the Danish national team will probably also be useful.

Eurohandball.com: Your future club is in Pot 2 in next season’s Champions League, while GOG are in Pot 1. What do you think about it?

Thomas Mogensen: Oh yes. Some of my team-mates in GOG have already been teasing me with this. They say that I’m leaving for a lower ranked club. But let’s see how things turn out. Flensburg are usually in the European top, and I expect them to stay there in future too.

TEXT: Peter Bruun