03.05.2012, 09:20
Althaus: It is pay back time

German Viborg pivot is confident to win the Cup Winners’ Cup finals against FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria.

Althaus: It is pay back time

After five successful years including several national and international titles Anja Althaus will return home from Viborg HK to Germany after this season. Before, the 30 year old pivot is absolutely eager to increase her cabinet of trophies in her last international matches for the Danish side. In the finals of the EHF Women’s Cup Viborg will face Hungarian team FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria, formerly known as Ferencvaros Budapest.

In this interview with eurohandball.com Anja Althaus – who was EHF Champions League winner twice - talks about her expectations and the special hopes before leaving Denmark.

eurohandball.com: Is there any favourite in the finals with the Hungarians?

Anja Althaus: I do not think so, because the one who is called favourite has to stand more pressure. We have a good team, we want to win both finals and win the title, that’s all. I do not know if you have to be the favourite to win.

eurohandball.com: Is it a good omen that you won your first ever EHF Champions League title on Hungarian ground by beating Györ in Veszprem in 2009?

Anja Althaus: By looking back that far, it is a good omen, yes, but in the last season we were eliminated by FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria in the quarterfinals so we still have a score to settle with them. But my personal balance with Hungary on national team level is positive with 3:1 victories in the last four matches.

eurohandball.com: After intermediate problems including the early failure in the EHF Champions League your team improved in the previous weeks…

Anja Althaus: Of course. We won the Danish Cup, on Wednesday we won the first semi-final leg of the Danish championships 37:20 against Holstebro – so we can win three titles this season. Our failure in the EHF Champions League is the past, which we cannot change anymore.

eurohandball.com: Before returning to Germany after five years a triple would be a great farewell, or?

Anja Althaus: This would crown it all, an ingenious experience.

eurohandball.com: Compared to two EHF Champions League titles – what would the Cup Winners’ Cup trophy mean to you?

Anja Althaus: It is brilliant to win something new from time to time. I did not win this title in my previous career and every trophy you can look back upon when you are retired is a great one.

TEXT: Björn Pazen