26.03.2009, 05:27
Celebration of handball

Lajos Mocsai knows how strong Ciudad Real are, but the coach of Veszprém is looking forward to a big game.

Celebration of handball

MKB Veszprém have won their Main Round group in the CL. Unlucky for the Hungarians, Veszprém were drawn the most difficult opponent possible in the quarterfinals. Title holder Ciudad Real will be waiting for Veszprém on Sunday, and the second leg will be played in Hungary.

Coach Lajos Mocsai talks to Eurohandball.com before visiting Spain.

Eurohandball.com: What was your instant reaction after the draw?

Lajos Mocsai: There is an old wisdom regarding the draws: either you should get an opponent that you have a chance to beat, or you should get one that is attractive for the fans.

Both games against Ciudad Real will be a celebration of handball. We will meet the strongest team in the World. We are determined and we are happy about it.

Eurohandball.com: What do you think about them? After all, they only finished second in their group…

Lajos Mocsai: It doesn’t mean much. They were second only with goal difference.

Ciudad Real has the best squad in the World. They have handballers enough for three line-ups including many international stars. It’s not by chance that next year they play to reduce their squad, as they cannot give the opportunity for so many players.

Eurohandball.com: The second leg will be at home. Is that an advantage at least?

Lajos Mocsai: The tendency of recent years is that the home court means less and less advantage. We can play without much pressure as we know that we have little chance.

We will try to find their weaknesses and at the same time we will go forward with the faith and the morale strength that characterised us recently. We have a strong team and we will look for the right strategy.

Eurohandball.com: Are there injuries in the team?

Lajos Mocsai: Cozma, Pesic and Sesum are missing. Cozma is an irreplaceable loss and the other two are also not with us. All the other players are ready for the game and want to play.

Eurohandball.com: What is the atmosphere around the team now?

Lajos Mocsai: There were 20-25,000 ticket applications and the hall was sold out within hours…

Our destiny was to play against such a strong opponent and we will try to be an equal opponent of a fantastic squad.

TEXT: Ildikó Balogh (www.handball.hu)