15.01.2009, 09:20
Viborg's investment

Manager Torben Østergaard talks about the signing of the talented Gorica Acimovic and about the plans of Viborg.

Viborg's investment

It was a fine weekend for Danish women´s champions Viborg HK. Not only did the team under head coach Jakob Vestergaard secure the access to the main round of the EHF Champions League, the club also announced a three year contract with 23 year old Austrian backcourt player Gorica Acimovic, who will be joining from Hypo Niederösterreich from the start of the coming season.

Eurohandball.com talks to Viborg´s sports director, Torben Østergaard, about signing Gorica Acimovic.

Eurohandball.com: What can the new player, Gorica Acimovic, contribute to Viborg next season?

Torben Østergaard: She is one of the greatest players in women’s handball already, and she is probably the greatest among the young players. Her potential is proven by the many goals she scores. Last season alone she scored nearly 90 for Hypo Niederösterreich in the Champions League – at the age of 22 only. However, at least as important as her qualities in the attack are her great defensive skills. It is very important for us to add more strength to our defence. With her age, she is an investment for the future and we have big ambitions.

Eurohandball.com: You already have top players anyway: in defence and in backcourt, young or experienced… What do you still need in the team?

Torben Østergaard: This is mainly about securing quality for the future. We have great ambitions this year, but we also have ambitions for the next five years. Therefore, it is important for us to make sure that our squad will keep competing with the other European teams who are just as ambitious.

Eurohandball.com: You just signed a top player from a rival. Does it mean that Danish clubs will dominate once again in Europe?

Torben Østergaard: I believe that we will see a very strong Hypo Niederösterreich next year too. They have very fine handball tradition there. I also see positive development in Romania, in the Balkan area and in Russia. Actually, I have no doubts that there will be even bigger competition in the top handball, so I don’t expect any particular Danish dominance.

Eurohandball.com: Can we expect more big names signing for Viborg?

Torben Østergaard: I would definitely not rule that out.

Eurohandball.com: Who will be the next top player you announce?

Torben Østergaard: I’m not going to reveal more names now.

TEXT: Peter Bruun