We have a chance to gain revenge, Gensheimer says
The club representatives of all four participating teams of the EHF Cup Finals gave their thoughts and opinions about their semi-finals opponents.
Frisch Auf Göppingen (GER) vs Rhein Neckar Löwen (GER)
Gerd Hofele, manager of Frisch Auf: "Rhein-Neckar Löwen are a very strong opponent, we have lost to them in the German Bundesliga, but international games are special and we are looking forward to them. We are defending champions of the old EHF Cup, and the new one is stronger with a lot of good teams involved. Our aim was to reach the finals, which we did, and now anyone can win.
"The EHF Cup Finals in Nantes is a good idea, France is a nice country, but in two weeks’ time, the only focus will be on the games."
Uwe Gensheimer, player of Rhein Neckar Löwen: "We have a chance to gain revenge after last year’s loss to Göppingen in the EHF Cup and I hope that the rest of the team will feel the emotions from that game to go and fight. Every team has a good chance, anything can happen in handball and that is what makes it so interesting.
"These final tournaments are always interesting, it is always something special to have different supporter groups in the stands."
Team Tvis Holstebro (DEN) vs HBC Nantes (FRA)
Thierry Anti, coach of HBC Nantes: "There are three very good handball nations involved and it is difficult to say whether our draw was a good one. What is good, is that the final will not be 100% German and that two outsiders will be facing each other. Of course, playing at home in Nantes will be an advantage. The fans are great and it will be good for us as long as it does not become negative pressure
Gaël Pelletier, president of HBC Nantes: "I am happy with the draw, the hosting and organisation went well. On the draw results themselves, Holstebro was a good draw but they are a tough team and a rising star in Denmark after beating teams such as Wisła Płock and Kolding. Fans from Denmark and Germany will find a good atmosphere, a great show with lots of surprises and entertainment and hopefully good weather."
Jacob Jørgensen, manager of Team Tvis Holstebro: "I think the draw is ok; we had no preference before the draw as all three teams are strong. Regardless of who we face, we know that we have to be at our very best to reach the final. The other teams have to take us seriously, we are not the favourites, but that suits us and I think we can be the dark horse.
"It is already a historical occasion for us and we will, of course, go for the chance to win the title. The guys are looking forward to three or four days in Nantes. It is important for a player not only to focus on the games but to enjoy the moment because this occasion might not happen again."
TEXT: EHF / cor, br
|
