31.05.2013, 05:22
Quotes Media Call FC Barcelona Intersport

FC Barcelona Intersport talked about the pressure of being one of the favourites at the VELUX EHF Final 4

We should be here

Xavi Pascual, coach FC Barcelona Intersport:

“For us, it’s the most important to win the Final4. The show is perfect but we really want to win.

I prefer if the teams stay in different hotels. I think it is strange that the players have coffee together and then they get on the bus and it’s like war.

The VELUX EHF FINAL4 is a great event. It is fantastic to be here.”

Jesper Nøddesbo

“We have a great respect for Vive Targi Kielce and I see a team of experienced players.

It will hopefully be a big event.

Kielce is a tough opponent.I am not surprised that they made it to the Final 4, as they have many experienced players.

We are very similar teams, with a strong defence and top goalkeepers, and scoring many goals with fastbreaks.

For us, the key is to control their playmaker, who is very clever. If we can limit his influence, then we should win."

Magnus Jernemyr

“We didn’t have any celebration after winning the championship in Spain, not even dinner together. And the players did not plan anything in case we should win here, but I’m sure the officials might have something in mind.

It’s nice to be back here. It was a strange feeling last year when we had a weekend off. We should be here.

Everybody says that we are the favourites but it will be a tough game. Kielce played really strong in the VELUX EHF Champions League and did not lose a game. But we don’t think too much.

I don’t have back problems any longer. Training and playing was really good in the last two months and I can give 100% tomorrow.”

Viran Morros

“Coming here as a reigning world champion does make things easier and you have to fight just as hard as always to win a match or even a title. But personally after achieving the greatest title in handball you have gained more experience and confidence in your strength.

In case of a hypothetical final having had played the first semi-final with a few hours more of rest might be an advantage over the second team in the final.”

Arpad Sterbik

“If I had to choose one of the three teams as an opponent I probably would have preferred HSV Hamburg instead of Kielce. Hamburg have never kicked me out of a tournament, but after a weak start into the season they have improved along with Johanes Bitter who plays very strong at the moment.

Kielce as a team have never been to a VELUX EHF Final 4, but they have an excellent squad and almost all their players have been succesful with their national teams or won titles with their former clubs. I think that Uros Zorman is one of the three best center backs in all of handball. Still I find it hard to estimate their real strenght since they have not faced a strong German or Spanish team on their way to the Final 4.”

TEXT: EHF/ph