15.02.2008, 11:27
I analysed all players years ago

World class Nenad Puljezevic, talks to Eurohandball.com about the chances in Group 4. The goalkeeper of Szeged tell us how he prepared for the games.

I analysed all players years ago

One of the most popular players of Pick Szeged is goalkeeper Nenad Puljezevic. His saves are the key to success many times. The Serbian-born 34-year old goalkeeper, who plays for Hungary national team as well, is the biggest problem for the opponents. His is a specialist of 7-m throws.

Eurohandball.com: The first part of the CL was perfect for you. Szeged finished 100 percent without a draw or a defeat. Now you started with a defeat against Celje…

Nenad Puljezevic: We made a big step with advancing to the Main Round. However, all those victories are forgotten now. We knew before the Celje game that all opponents will be much more difficult now. I think we lost against Celje but they are not so much better than us. Not by five goals, the difference at the end. Nothing is lost yet and there are many matches in front of us.

Eurohandball.com: What is Pick's goal for the Main Round? Semi-finals?

Nenad Puljezevic: We will try to do our best. I think this group is so equal. It would be no surprise if all four teams would finish with 6 points at the end. When I say so, I think that all teams will gain victories on home court. For us the most important is to win all matches in front of our home crowd.

Eurohandball.com: After the European Championship many teams have problems with injuries. Is it the same with Pick Szeged?

Nenad Puljezevic: We have plenty of troubles because we don’t have a 'long bench'. After the Euro everyone came back tired and with some injuries. You know, against Celje Danilel Andjelkovic had to play with pains and with the help of medications.

Eurohandball.com: You are one of the best goalkeepers in the world today. How do you prepare for a match?

Nenad Puljezevic: Nothing special because we have been playing against the same teams for years and the players are not changing so much. I analysed many of them in the past. Before each match I only watch the video of the opponents together with the whole team.

Eurohandball.com: You played your second major championship with Hungary in Norway. Why did you decide to accept the Hungarian nationality?

Nenad Puljezevic: People from the Hungarian Handball Federation came to me and asked if I would play for them. Before that I had not played for the Serbian national team for four years. I received what I wanted from Hungary. I set some conditions which they fulfilled. One of them was that I could play crucial role in the national team. I’m happy that I decided so.

TEXT: Maja Mastnak, Sportal (http://www.siol.net/sportal.aspx)