10.04.2014, 02:50
Györ take one thing at a time

FEATURE: The defending champions have a busy schedule before their trip to the MVM EHF FINAL4.

Györ take one thing at a time

As the heydays of the season are approaching Győri Audi-ETO KC are busy preparing for defending all the silverware they won last year. Head coach Ambros Martin knows it is a tricky business but hopes Győr will reach top form come the finals - including the MVM EHF FINAL4.  

"We are lucky enough to have a lot of titles to defend this year. First it’s the semi-finals of the Hungarian league, then we’re off to the Hungarian Cup so we will have our hands full before the FINAL4 in Budapest," Martin told ehfcl.com.

The Spanish coach claims his philosophy is that if you look too far ahead you stumble.

"Though we are fighting for European honours our domestic goals are just as important. From one point of view it is nice to be able to train for the FINAL4 against the finest Hungarian teams in the climax of the season, but we can’t think of these games as preparation for our Champions League semi-final. These will be games where we’ll have to fight as hard as against any European opponent.”

Keeping up the pace

After the international break Győr are training with a full squad though not everybody is 100 percent fit.

"Nothing serious but we have a lot of bruises and small wounds to deal with but the ladies work very hard. Nobody is out of action and I really hope to keep it this way.”

"The most important thing for the preparation for the end of the season is to keep the rhythm. I know some people see us - and particularly our defence - as more vulnerable this year and I admit we have some work left to do but we work hard so that our supporters will see the best Győr of the season in Budapest.”

Danish threat not taken lightly

Martin claims it’s too early to talk about the semi-final of the EHF Champions League but cannot deny he has Midtjylland in his thoughts.

"I know them and I know how strong they are. I saw their games against Thüringer and naturally our domestic rivals Ferencváros and I also remember them from the time when I was in charge of Itxako. They still have some of their biggest names from then so we by no means take them easily.”

Győr are not concerned with Midtjylland yet but they already got the DVD’s from both their games versus Ferencváros.

The most beautiful experience

The MVM EHF FINAL4 might be too far to start preparations but Martin admits Győr cannot wait to take the court in the Papp László Sportarena.

"Playing a final in front of 10,000 supporters in such a beautiful venue is something you start playing handball for. Or any sport for that matter. This is the best thing in the world. I know our fans are eager to shout their lungs out and I can only promise we will not disappoint them and fight till the last drop of sweat.”

TEXT: Bence Martha / br