 Larvik passed historic milestone
When Larvik HK defeated Krim Mercator on their home court 34-30 this past weekend, it was the first time ever that the Norwegians managed to win in Slovenia. The victory places Larvik on top of Group 1 of the Women’s Champions League Main Round with the maximum of six points after the first three rounds. The Norwegian champions are already close to the semi-finals at the halfway mark.
eurohandball.com talked to Larvik coach Karl Erik Bøhn about his team’s impressive performance.
eurohandball.com: What was the key to your historic victory in Ljubljana?
Karl Erik Bøhn: Things went our way at the right time. Furthermore we met a considerably younger Krim team than we were used to in our previous matches against them. They have a very talented but also a rather inexperienced team and we were good at benefitting from that.
eurohandball.com: One of your key players, Tine Rustad Kristiansen, picked up an ankle injury in the match in Ljubljana. How serious is her injury?
Karl Erik Bøhn: Not very serious. She will probably only need a short break, and I expect her to be fit again for our next Champions League match, the away game against Győr on March 6th.
eurohandball.com: Can any team in your group stop you from reaching the semi-finals now?
Karl Erik Bøhn: Injuries and illnesses could stop us, but we do not fear any team. If we win just one of our two remaining matches, we will be absolutely sure to go through to the semi-finals. But we obviously also go for the first place in the group.
eurohandball.com: You passed a historic milestone by winning in Ljubljana. Another one would be qualifying for the Champions League final, where Larvik HK has never been before. Is that realistic this year?
Karl Erik Bøhn: Yes, it is, but there are still strong teams left in the tournament. Teams such as Viborg and Vâlcea are extremely strong, so we will have to take one game at a time.
TEXT: Peter Bruun
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