 ‘This is the most important match of our season,’ says Stojanović
The situation is clear for Kadetten Schaffhausen before their final match in the VELUX EHF Champions League Group Phase.
The Swiss champion has to win in Zagreb against the home team, who now have no chance of qualifying for the knock-out phase.
Victory is the only thing that can keep Swiss dreams alive. If they beat Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb and Füchse Berlin beat Pick Szeged the following day, Kadetten will reach the last 16 for the third year in a row.
“This is the most important match of our season. In the opening two matches in 2013, our form has been hot and cold.
“We beat Szeged in a really good game. Peter Kukucka’s comeback means a lot for the team’s attacking performance.
“Following that, we had a really bad evening against Füchse Berlin.
“I couldn’t play in that match, but fortunately, my knee injury isn’t too serious, so I expect to be ready for Zagreb,” said Aleksandar Stojanović.
The Serbian right back speaks to ehfCL.com and talks about the psychological side of the decisive clash in Zagreb.
“Of course they have nothing to lose, so it’s normal that the psychological advantage is on their side.
“They will be relaxed in front of home fans. Every minute in the European matches is a big challenge for the young players.
“On the other hand, we have the motivation to win and hopefully we will do it.”
ehfCL.com: Kadetten Schaffhausen have become a standard member of the European elite. In the last three seasons, you have played in the EHF Cup Final followed by two appearances in the VELUX EHF Champions League Last 16, how important is progression to that stage for the third year in a row?
Aleksandar Stojanović: Placement among the top 16 teams in Europe will be a confirmation of our value.
This result is very important for Swiss handball as well, as we are the best representatives in the last decade.
We had tough group this season. F.C Barcelona were absolutely dominant; Füchse are playing better and better, while Dinamo Minsk have shown how serious a team they are.
ehfCL.com: Even if Kadetten win in Zagreb, Füchse Berlin has to beat Pick Szeged day after to open knock-out stage for Swiss team.
Aleksandar Stojanović: We know that Füchse Berlin is second in the group already and that Germans do not have any special motive to play against Szeged, but every match in Germany is a big show.
No one wants to disappoint home fans, nobody is playing to lose. I believe that Füchse will play for their fans. They are the better team and 100% favourite against Pick, there is no doubt about that.
TEXT: Žika Bogdanović / cor
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