07.10.2014, 04:49
Mikler earning the love of the Veszprém faithful

INTERVIEW: The Hungarian international is a newcomer to Veszprém, who has found himself under considerable pressure due to the absence of the side's other goalkeepers. So far the 30-year-old goalie has lived up to the sky-high expectations.

Mikler earning the love of the Veszprém faithful

Roland Mikler’s rock solid performance provided the groundwork for MKB-MVM Veszprém to win the VELUX EHF Champions League Match of the Week against Rhein-Neckar Löwen.

The Hungarian international was picked for the ehfTV team of the week for a good reason.

The happiest man in Veszprém

Mikler is an experienced goalkeeper but a newcomer to the Veszprem team, who has found himself under considerable pressure due to the absence of the side's other goalkeepers. So far the 30-year-old goalie has lived up to the sky-high expectations.

"I am walking ten feet above the ground, words cannot say how happy I am to have contributed to such a great victory over an outstanding team. We knew Löwen were going to be tough and we would have to give our all to beat them," said Mikler, who came up with a 42 per cent efficiency against the German team.

"Our first half was not particularly good but when our attacks picked up speed and our wall came together we managed to fight off one of the greatest team (and I believe a really strong FINAL4 contender) in the Champions League.”

Save of the week

Mikler’s save against Gedeon Guardiola was picked as save of the round but the Hungarian international thinks his most important save was the one in the dying seconds of the first half.

"We just could not have let them lead by two at the break," added Mikler.

The goalkeeper believes Veszprém showed they rightfully claim a place in the FINAL4 in 2015, too, but knows there is always room for improvement.

"I am never satisfied, not even when everybody is slapping my back. I believe in hard work and that you always have to find a way to get better.”

Although Veszprém was a goal behind at the break, the home side managed to turn the tides in the second half and beat Rhein-Neckar Löwen 27:24 in a heated, fast paced game. The Hungarian champion will meet Montpellier in the next round while Löwen take on Vardar for another exciting clash.

TEXT: Bence Martha / br