05.03.2008, 09:55
Prokop wants CL title after eight years

The legendary manager of Hypo Niederösterreich believes that it would be about time to have the necessary luck for a CL victory.

Prokop wants CL title after eight years

Hypo Niederösterreich is one of the most successful European clubs ever. However, it eight years have gone since the Austrian top team won their last Champions League title.

This year, the team is among the hottest favourites for the title. Saturday night’s 32-27 away win over Danish Viborg HK was their tenth win out of ten CL games this season. Their convincing performance in Denmark suggests that they can go all the way.

The name Hypo Niederösterreich is almost synonymous with that of Gunnar Prokop. He has always been the manager of the club; he is simply “Mr. Hypo Niederösrerreich”. Prokop takes seat on the Hypo bench all the matches wearing a suit and tie supporting the girls with great enthusiasm.

Eurohandball.com asked the Austrian legend about the chances of his team.

Eurohandball.com: Your victory against Viborg was your tenth out of ten this CL season. Your team simply seems to be unbeatable. What is the secret of the success?

Gunnar Prokop: Well, no one is probably unbeatable in sports, but I think we proved that we are ready to win the Champions League again. We have pretty much the same team this season that we had last season, and they are a team that train a lot and train very well. Furthermore, I think that with the South Korean Oh we have a player who is simply in a league of her own. That may also be a difference compared to the other top teams in Europe.

Eurohandball.com: Your team seem to have improved respect to last year. In what elements of the game do you see development?

Gunnar Prokop: I think we are more disciplined and we improved in stress handling. Those are important factors when it comes to winning a match at the end. I also think that we are probably the physically strongest team in Europe.

Eurohandball.com: Do you also have the strongest team in Europe in playing handball?

Gunnar Prokop: Well, in defence I think we are very strong and that also goes for our motivation. I think we can still play considerably better in attack.

Eurohandball.com: It has been eight years since Hypo Niederösterreich won Champions League for the last time. Is it your turn again?

Gunnar Prokop: Yes, I think it is about time. We have been fighting several years for this and maybe this year we will have that bit of luck that we need for the success.

TEXT: Peter Bruun