22.09.2011, 09:00
High goals after the world record

VELUX EHF Champions League countdown, part 19: AG Kobenhavn (DEN)

High goals after the world record

The debutants in the VELUX EHF Champions League are world record holders: 36,000 spectators attended the second leg of the Danish league final, carried out in the Parken football arena.

And after AG Kobenhavn already had won the first leg in Silkeborg they took their first ever Danish title with a second victory.

The history of AGK – a club formed by the fusion of Albertslund/Glostrup and FC Kobenhavn two years ago – is firmly combined with the name of Jesper Nielsen.

The Danish multi-millionaire and former Albertslund/Glostrup player became the driving force in the new club. As club history says, it was at a Sunday lunch in March 2005 when the Nielsen family decided to create a top level handball team in their home area.

Five years and five promotions later AGK had reached the first Danish league in 2010 – and was able to sign international top stars like Mikkel Hansen or Joachim Boldsen.

In their first ever season in the Danish first league AGK won both cup and the championship title – and dominated Danish men’s handball.

But Nielsen – who also was board member and still is main sponsor of German team Rhein-Neckar Löwen – wants more. This can also be viewed on the club’s website as future milestones:

To win all national titles in the next years, qualifying for the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in 2012, to become one of the three major sports brands in Denmark and to have a sold-out Bröndby Arena in every match – after having a sold-out season in the Ballerup Arena in the last season.

Nielsen: "We want to make a difference in the VELUX EHF Champions League. The ambition is to qualify for the VELUX EHF FINAL4 and eventually - in time - to win the tournament."

To reach those goals AGK invested in several new top players like the Icelandic internationals Olafur Stefansson and Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson, who arrived from Rhein Neckar Löwen.

But Stefansson will miss the start of the VELUX EHF Champions League season after knee surgery; he is expected back in the end of the October.

Three coaches – Magnus Andersson, Klavs Bruun Jørgensen, Søren Herskind – take care of the Danish champions, who are considering to probably return to play single selected matches in the Parken football arena.

In their domestic league AG Kobenhavn play in sleeveless shirts that give the team a unique look. In the VELUX EHF Champions League they will use a specially designed shirt, using the vest with the addition of an attached white undershirt with sleeves showing the competition’s official logo, a requirement of participation in the competition.

Three questions to coach Magnus Andersson

Magnus Andersson: We expect a sensational season - as always. Our group contains of teams like THW Kiel and Montpellier. As newcomers we enter the VELUX EHF Champions League with the highest respect for all opponents and look forward to compete in the finest competition of all.

ehfCL.com: What does the participation in the VELUX EHF Champions League mean to you and your club?

Magnus Andersson: It means everything. As organisation and team, AGK will always have the ambition to make a difference, wherever we go. In our first season, we won the double in Denmark, and international success is our next goal.

ehfCL.com: What teams are your personal favourites to reach the VELUX EHF FINAL4 and for winning the title this season - and why?

Magnus Andersson: The VELUX EHF FINAL4 participants from last year plus AG København and Kiel.

Club facts – AG Kobenhavn (DEN)

Newcomers: Olafur Stenfansson, Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson (both Rhein Neckar Löwen/GER), Mads Larsen (back from loan at Nordsjælland Håndbold), Henrik Toft Hansen (Aalborg)

Left the club: Thomas Bruhn, Jakob Green, Jacob Bagersted, Mikkel Saad, Martin Bager

Coaches: Magnus Andersson (SWE), Klavs Bruun Jørgensen, Søren Herskind

Qualification for the 2011/2012 VELUX EHF Champions League season: Danish champion

VELUX EHF Champions League records:
Participations (including 2011/2012 season): 1

Danish champion: 2011
Danish Cup winner: 2011

Further information

Find more information on AG Kobenhavn HERE.

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TEXT: Björn Pazen