 'Our task is to defeat Kielce,' says Gaber
Gorenje have almost let second place in Group C of the VELUX EHF Champions League slip away, but they will not give it up easily.
The Slovenian champions are sure that Vive Targi Kielce can be defeated for the first time in the competition on Saturday, 23 February, when they will visit Velenje for the last Match of the Week of the Group Phase on ehfTV.com.
One of the Gorenje Velenje’s key players, Matej Gaber, is aware how difficult Saturday’s mission is. Nevertheless he is determined and feels that second spot in group is still a possibility. Gaber speaks to ehfCL.com about the upcoming challenge
ehfCL.com: What happened to Gorenje last Sunday against Bjerringbro? You had the game in your hands but lost at the end.
Matej Gaber: We played at an average level until the 50th minute and then our concentration fell completely. There were too many mistakes made in attack which cost us two points. We were disappointed but have already forgetten about it.
ehfCL.com: Are you now focused on Saturday's match against Kielce?
Matej Gaber: Firstly, we must win our Slovenian league match on Wednesday against Krško and than we are going for two points against Kielce. There is nothing to lose, we can only gain a lot.
ehfCL.com: Is second spot in Group C too far away?
Matej Gaber: We had our chances, it could be much easier but we did not do everything we should.
It is clear that our final position in the group will be decided on two matches, ours in Velenje and (HC Metalurg’s) in Skopje. Our task is to defeat Kielce.
ehfCL.com: You make it sound like an easy match for you.
Matej Gaber: It is never easy, but there are no feelings of pressure. We have qualified for the Last 16 and reached our first goal for the season.
ehfCL.com: Kielce have won nine out of nine this season, what are the chances of ending that run?
Matej Gaber: The Polish champions will be highly motivated. Do not think that they will take it easy after being so successful until now. I am sure they want to finish the Group Phase with a 100% record.
ehfCL.com: You lost against Kielce at the beginning of October 24:30. What will be different in the return match?
Matej Gaber: It was at the start of the season and a completely different match. We played great in first half, but when less known players came on the court, we were a mess. I am sure the same will not happen in Velenje.
ehfCL.com: You are probably also counting on the home crowd and hall?
Matej Gaber: It can be a kind of advantage, especially if fans create an intimidating atmosphere. I also heard that the Kielce team is travelling by bus, so they could be a bit tired.
ehfCL.com: What will be the recipe for a successful match?
Matej Gaber: Our defence, without a doubt. We must play aggressive and create counter-attacks. They have Szmal in goal and Zorman as a playmaker, so all of our mistakes can be punished. The key to winning is our discipline.
ehfCL.com: Is there a big difference between being second and third in the group.
Matej Gaber: Sure. Being second means getting a better draw. If we finish third, I hope we will be lucky in the draw and not get Kiel in the next round.
ehfCL.com: It is your last season in Gorenje Velenje before you leave for Montpellier. What is your personal goal for the season?
Matej Gaber: I would be happy with reaching Cologne.
Further information
Gorenje Velenje vs. KS Vive Targi Kielce is the ehfTV.com Match of the Week. The game will be live on ehfTV on Saturday, 23 February at 16:30 CET with English commentary from Tom Ó Brannagáin.
TEXT: Maja Mastnak / cor
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