Danes Flying High to Montenegro
Last season FC Midtjylland won the Danish championship, taking the title away from long-standing champions Viborg HK. But this summer has seen several changes of personnel at the Ikast-based club – most importantly, with Ryan Zinglersen replacing Kenneth Jensen as Head Coach.
However, the success story has continued in the EHF Champions League. The club has won both of their first two matches, beating Byåsen away and then securing a good home victory over Thüringer HC.
The Germans Turned up the Heat
“We were not consistent in our play in the second half. I feel that we went to sleep a little bit and the Germans turned up the heat, and became more aggressive,” said coach Zinglersen.
Nevertheless he took several positives from his team´s performance: “I was pleased with the first half. We kept them at a distance and our defensive effort was really good.”
Similarly, Zinglersen praised Maibritt Kviesgaard and Line Jørgensen who, between them, scored almost 60 per cent of the FCM goals.
They Work Hard in Defence
“They were excellent, and both really helped our right side play a solid game. It was a great effort from both of them, especially since they also work hard in defence.”
“I think it was Line´s best game since she was injured while playing for the National Team against Poland,” added Zinglersen.
Right back Jørgensen, who scored seven goals and was voted Player of the Match, said: “It was a great performance and I´m happy that we’ve collected maximum points so far.
“It certainly gives us confidence in our shooting ability, which makes us more likely to succeed.”
Great Chance of Victory
The 21-year-old thinks they have a great chance of victory against Budućnost in Round 3, but she added: “We need to keep things running for the whole match. We still need to refine our game plan a little, and this is something to work on before Sunday.”
Indeed, the team needs to work hard for each match with a busy EHF Champions League schedule every weekend, as well as Danish cup and league games in between.
In the Danish cup, FCM lost yesterday against Team Esbjerg by four goals, and Zinglersen said: “It was a really close game. We were level at half time, and even 10 minutes before the final whistle the game was still open.
We've Got to be Ready
“They were more aggressive, and we were too passive in defence and it cost us victory. We will now play against SK Århus at home and then we’ll fly to play in Montenegro.
“We’ve got to be ready for these games, and I´m confident we will be.”
TEXT: Márk Hegedüs
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