27.11.2024, 10:40
Flash quotes: 27 November

FLASH QUOTES: Comments from Czechia, the Faroe Islands, Denmark, Germany, France, Türkiye, Poland, North Macedonia and Slovakia on Wednesday

BASEL/DEBRECEN/INNSBRUCK - Comments from Faroe Islands head coach Claus Leth Morgensen (DEN), centre back Jana Mittún and goalkeeper Annika Fridheim Petersen (both FAR), Denmark head coach Jesper Jensen, right wing Trine Østergaard and left back Kristina Jörgensen (all DEN), Poland head coach Arne Senstad (NOR), right back Monika Kobylinska and left back Paulina Uscinowicz (both POL), and France head coach Sébastien Gardillou, left back Estelle Nze Minko and centre back Grace Zaadi Deuna (all FRA) at media calls in Basel; Czechia head coach Bent Dahl (NOR), centre back Markéta Jerábková and left wing Veronika Malá (both CZE), Türkiye head coach Costica Buceschi (ROU), left wing Elif Sila Aydin and left back Asli Iskit-Caliskan (both TUR), and North Macedonia head coach Kristijan Grchevski, right wing Sara Ristovska and right back Iva Mladenovska (all MKD) at media calls and a photoshoot in Debrecen; and Germany head coach Markus Gaugisch, goalkeeper Katharina Filter and left back Emily Bölk (all GER), and Slovakia head coach Jorge Duenas (ESP), right back Barbora Lancz and left back Tatiana Šutranová (both SVK) at photoshoots at the Olympiahalle in Innsbruck, on Wednesday.

CZECHIA

Bent Dahl (NOR) - head coach

On the Women's EHF EURO 2024 and Czechia's path:

"My expectation is for us to take some new steps in our development because we have started two years ago to prepare for the long-term and focus on our development, and now, we played at the 2023 IHF World Championship and we look forward to this European championship, so it will be interesting if we can continue our path."

On having a history of coaching Romanian clubs:

"I have a good knowledge about the players, but we will see if that's a good thing or it will go against me. We will see, but they also know me. So that can be advantage, but at the same it can also be disadvantage.

“We will see because my handball philosophy doesn't change just because I'm leading a national team now. It's my way of playing handball and It's not different. We will see on Friday."

On Czechia's goals at the Women's EHF EURO 2024:

"We will be very satisfied if we go to the main round, because we know that it will be tough. Our group is maybe one of the tightest groups at the tournament with teams who are all capable of going through and at the same time, all teams can go out. First of all, we are looking for this one (the opening match) and then, to go to the main round. That's our first goal and we will see what will happen then."

Markéta Jerábková (CZE) - centre back

On the opening match vs Romania:

"First of all, we are really excited to be part of the EHF EURO again and we just want to go all in, in the group. Of course, the first game is the most important one because in this group anything can happen, and someone can ‘steal’ some points from someone and in the end maybe a one or two goals can be decisive. So, we will go fully prepared for the game and we want to do our best."

On her expectations on the atmosphere in Hungary given she previously played for a Hungarian club:

"In my opinion, Hungary is in a good way, crazy, crazy country about handball and their fans. It's really good in a way because we were playing here also Women's (EHF) FINAL4 and it was an amazing atmosphere.

“So, I'm excited and I'm expecting a really good atmosphere and full arena, I hope so. And not only for the match against Hungary, but also for the other matches in the group. And it's also close to Romania, so it can maybe happen that there will be some fans from Romania."

Veronika Malá (CZE) - left wing

On being one of the most experienced players in the squad:

"We have a young squad and we want to play together, you know, as one team, to support each other. So, my advice is to just follow the experienced players and enjoy the game."

On Czechia's chances in group A:

"We are underdogs in this group. Nobody counts on us I think, but we know our abilities and we want to go step by step, game after game. We know the group is tough and Romania can beat us, then we can beat someone else, so the group can be mixed. I think it's the most interesting group because as I said, nobody can predict who's going to be first and who is going to be second."

FAROE ISLANDS

Claus Leth Mogensen (DEN) - head coach

On the debut against Switzerland:

“We are looking forward to the first match. It is exciting for us to play our first game at the European championship against Switzerland with a full hall. It will be a pretty good debut. We don't know what to expect from that first match.

“For us, it will be a completely new experience. We know it's a handball match like any other, but circumstances are very different from what we are used to. So, we need to keep the focus on the handball. Switzerland have a good team, they developed in the last few years. They have players who can compete at the highest international level, so it's a tough opponent for us, but we still believe we can do something. At least to push them for a part of the match.”

On the importance of qualifying for the Women's EHF EURO 2024:

“It's really important because handball is a growing sport on the Faroe Islands and for young kids to have someone to look up to. Now they get a chance to see someone of theirs - I mean you know, everyone is very close to each other on Faroe Islands – to go up against the big handball stars of European handball, in big venues.”

On their expectations:

“We want to go ahead to play the best handball we can play and get experience to be better in the future. But of course, we also came here with a dream to earn our first points in the championship. That would be great for us and we will try to do that. The main thing is to show our best versions and if we do that we can expect more from ourselves.”

On the Scandinavian influence in Switzerland's team:

“Switzerland play very similar to what we know in Scandinavia, so in a way, we know what's coming. We know they play very fast, and we hope we can keep up with them. Maybe they will surprise us if they get even faster than what we trained on, but we will try our best to compete for as long as we can.

Jana Mittún (FAR) - centre back

On playing their maiden Women's EHF EURO:

“We have been waiting for this moment for so long and almost counting days since the end of the qualifications. We are happy we finally have the opportunity to say we are at the European championship.”

On her brothers, Pauli and Óli Mittún, who played their first EHF EURO in January 2024:

“They told me I should remember to enjoy the competition and the game. But I still have to talk to them, maybe tonight, to get a few more advices before the big first game.”

On being one of the key players:

“I don't think of me in that way. We are a team, and I just try my best to help my team achieve our goals. We are the best when we are standing together because we know if we are not a true team we can't play good as a team.”

On their goals:

“We have talked about our goals for the competition and we agreed it is important we just put (up a) good fight. To be able to play against any team. We know we have a difficult group, but as we have come all this way we can try and see how far we can go. Maybe get a draw or win a game. We are aware it's going to be hard, but we will never give up.”

Annika Fridheim Petersen (FAR) - goalkeeper

On being part of the Women's EHF EURO 2024:

“We are all very excited to be here. It was our big dream to be part of the major competition, so just being here feels so unrealistic. We can't express enough how we feel right now but we can't wait to play some handball on the big stage.”

On having support from the stands:

“The support of our country means everything. I know how we feel when putting national jerseys on and playing for the Faroe Islands. To know they will be here for us, giving additional support feels incredible.”

On the first match against Switzerland:

“We just want to show we are a good handball nation and that we can play at this level. So, we are focusing on our play and the level we can reach. Switzerland is a very good team and we have not been focusing on only one player.

“As a goalkeeper, I try to do my homework and watch every player because you never know who can shine that day. Maybe I can say for one player as I play in the Danish league, so I know the line player [Tabea Schmid] is very good.”

DENMARK

Jesper Jensen (DEN) – head coach

On the pre-EURO atmosphere:

“We're very excited. We are somehow some kind of a new group, with some players who are not here who has been playing a lot of tournaments together, and so we have to find a new group and find our way in this. But so far, it's been looking good, both inside and outside the course, so we are very much looking forward to this European championship.”

On changes since the Olympics:

“The same group has been playing together for like four years now, more or less, with some new players coming in, but in a running schedule. Right now, it's four players who all together have I think 700 matches together and they played 44 tournaments, championships, together. We lack some experience, but we also have some newcomers who can bring some extra to the table this time.

“I think it's possible to be as good as before, but it is also a little bit fragile, the thoughts about it, so I think we're going to perform good. The two tournaments we have so far up to this championship has been good, some training camps, and so we are confident in ourselves, but we also know that we lack some players and the experience.”

On the group:

“I'm very fond of playing against Switzerland in Switzerland. We also play against the Faroe Islands, where there is a Danish coach. Croatia, we have some history against, so I think it's a fun group for us and we're looking forward to perform our best here in Basel.”

Trine Østergaard (DEN) – right wing

On the feeling in the team before throw-off:

“It's really good. All the girls are very excited and very happy to be here. We are looking forward to the first match against Croatia on Friday and just to get started, and hopefully get a good start in the tournament.

On the group and the first match:

“The first game will be very, very tough. It's always difficult, the first game. You never know how it will go, because you have butterflies in the stomach. The first game is always tough, and Croatia is a difficult team for us to play against. So, I'm really excited and looking forward to it.

“I think of course all three teams are teams we should beat. But I think it will be difficult for us and I'm just looking forward to some great handball and great matches.”

On whether her new role as captain changes anything for her:

“Not so much about the tournament, but for me, personally, it changed a little bit. It's a huge honour for me and I'm very happy for it. But also, it puts a little more pressure on me, I think, because I have a bigger role now on the team, and I have to look out for all of the girls in the team. I'm of course, very, very honoured and happy for it, but it's also a hard job, I think. Not everyone can do it.”

Kristina Jörgensen (DEN) – left back

On managing the tournament given their goals:

“We try to do what we do in the other tournaments, like take one game at a time, and prepare us really good. And we try to make it a process to evolve throughout every game and get better and better as a group.

“This tournament, we are some new players and some who did not play a championship before, so we need to be strong and be good in keeping them in the team. We need to evolve and there are also some who’s usually here who is not here this time. We need to build a new team — not a fully new team, but with new members, and be good in the communication.”

On the group:

“It's going to be so cool to play against all the three teams, and especially Switzerland in Switzerland. I think it’s going to be a cool match. It's always so nice to play against the team who plays in the home court.

“Before, we had some ‘death’ matches against Croatia and it's going to be cool to play against them again. They're a good team. We want to focus on ourselves but also have a good atmosphere and good games here in Switzerland.”

GERMANY

Markus Gaugisch (GER) - head coach

On the first games against Ukraine and the Netherlands:

"We played Ukraine in April. We are the favourites in this game, I think this is normal when Germany plays against Ukraine. Then we try to prepare us to grow, because the biggest game will be on Sunday against the Netherlands. We have to use all the minutes on the court to develop.

On the Women's EHF EURO squad:

"We changed some things after the Olympic Games, we have a new four-year slot until LA 28. We changed some things, put in some younger players, but we work with the most important seven, eight players, they stay together for two and a half years now.

"I hope that we are strong enough to beat the big teams also. We try this, this is not normal for us, I think we are not favourites in playing handball against the Netherlands, Denmark, French team or some other teams which take all the medals in the last years. But we try to stay hard against them and maybe we can find some solutions. Everything is possible, but we have to look at our strength."

On the impact of the home Men's EHF EURO 2024:

"It helps. Handball is famous in Germany, I think after football it is the second team sport. (Women's handball) is not as big as the men's handball, but it helps us to go out, to show that the women's team also plays good handball. 

"They are good personalities, the girls work hard, and in the last years we came to places six and seven - this is the ranking we are, but we want to go in front. But it's a long journey for us."

On being in Austria:

"For us it's good. Austria we are close to Germany, so I hope that a lot of parents, fans and supporters from Germany will come here. We have a good possibility to develop, because we want to grow. Next year we have the World Championship in Germany, so it's a step on our way."

Katharina Filter (GER) - goalkeeper

On how the squad feels ahead of the tournament:

"The team feels good. We're having a good time, we had some good trainings and we're so ready for the tournament to start."

On the first match against Ukraine:

"We all know that we are the favourites in this game, that they expect us to win, but of course we also want to use this game to show what we can from beginning to start, not watching the score, just playing what we can and use this game for a good start."

On Germany's defence:

"One of our strengths is the defence. In the last weeks we got better and better, playing together with the defence got better, we know what the other one is doing. This tournament that can be a big role for us."

On playing ahead of the 2025 IHF Women's World Championship in Germany:

"It's an important tournament for us, to show for us but also the world where we stand; to get a good feeling, also for the fans in Germany to show them how nice it is to watch our game, so we can fill up the halls for next year."

Emily Bölk (GER) - left back

On their preparations:

"So far it was really cool. We had really focused trainings, a lot focusing on developing our attack game with some new tactics, so maybe we can surprise the one or the other opponent this tournament. Also in the defence being more flexible, having different solutions.

"I'm pretty satisfied with how it was going, how concentrated we worked throughout the days.

"Next to the trainings we also had some team buildings, some fun. We could go out in the city, have some Christmas market vibes, and just had some fun; used the free time besides the handball court. 

"We are in a good mood and we are really looking forward to starting the tournament."

On their preliminary round opponents:

"It's going to be really interesting, starting against Ukraine. We had some qualification match not a long time ago, so we have some fresh images in our mind.

"Then of course the Netherlands, always a 50:50 match when we look on the past matches we played against them. Then this also has like a derby feeling, as we really well know each other. That's going to be really interesting and also really crucial when we look forward to the main round which is of course the first goal we want to reach. 

"Then with Iceland, really interesting. I had my first national team match against Iceland and then after that never met them again, so this is also going to be interesting as we don't know pretty other well, or the teams don't know each other pretty well. They had two really good matches against Poland, so we want to be cautious.

"The first goal is going to be going with full points into the main round, and then we see what's going to happen from there."

On the importance of performing in Austria ahead of a home World Championship next year:

"This is like the last rehearsal before playing at home. It is the last tournament before we play this home World Championship, but it's a tournament itself. It's really important for us to have a great performance, it's always a chance to surprise, to bring something home, to also close this gap between these top four teams and the rest, so we are really looking forward to grab this chance already this year. We're not going to wait until next year."

FRANCE

Sébastien Gardillou (FRA) – head coach

On how he is feeling before throw-off:

“It’s not my first European Championship. This is my eighth. I have some experience about how I think we must organise our beginning, but I'm quiet.

“I try to take some distance, range, about this new situation for me and not to work so fast — because I work fast and make some pressure on the players — because it's not the time. I'm thrilled to be here. Honoured that the federation gave me the lead for this team and proud for sure.”

On the group:

“Hard, but how it could be different when you start a European championship? It's usually the same thing — I don't know why, but when this is the draw, we start with a strong team. In the World Championship, it was Angola. It the Olympics, it was Hungary.

“I have followed this world for 24 years and, in my opinion, it's every team is better year after year. Everybody works hard. There's a lot of players who play (EHF) Champions League and (EHF) European League, and it's terrible and difficult for each game.

“We start with Poland. OK. We must start against someone. Poland, I think it's very strong team. A good leader with Arne (Senstad, head coach). And what they can lose? Nothing. If they can make some difficulty for the French team, it's better for them. How we can turn this situation in our advantage. This is my mind, and I would like to tell them tomorrow, ‘OK, so strong team, and it's a strong team after. Think it will be hard and then go ahead.’”

Estelle Nze Minko (FRA) – left back

On the pre-EURO atmosphere:

“These days are always a little special, even though it was a very short preparation. But it's a championship, so it's great. I guess everyone is fixing the last details. We know that it's never easy to start a competition.

“This first game is a little key. You never really know if you did enough during the preparation or if you could have done more. I think this first game is also a little special in a way that you know your opponent for a long time, so you have actually a long time to prepare it, which is good.

“But at the same time, of course, when you step on the court for such a competition and you have goals to go far in the competition, there is also some kind of pressure, so it's always a little special. Plus, from now the rhythm is going to change a lot — one game every second day. So, there are a lot of things going on but a lot of excitement.”

On managing the big goals day by day:

“We're experienced and we have high goals, but we also know that it's never written before. We also had a couple of experiences — like now I'm thinking about the World Championship in Japan in 2019, where we also thought that we were in, that we were ready, and obviously we were not because we couldn't go to the main round.

“So, we are also very aware of that — that it's not because you have high goals that somehow you kind of go straight to main round and straight to the last four. I think that was hard back then, when it happened, but I think that it's also something that keeps us somehow very, you know, feet on the ground and humble.

“Also, the truth is that handball is getting better. That's a good thing. There are more good players. There are more good teams. I really feel that everyone is dangerous and it's a EURO, so the best teams are here, so we also know that if we are not playing good, we're not going to win and it actually happened to us a couple of days ago in this last preparation tournament. We lost against Spain. We had a tough time, so I also think that we are very feet on the ground.

On Poland:

“They are a very good team and of course we started to watch videos and to study them. They play really good. It's a team that we haven't played in a long time. I think the last time was in 2021, in the World Championship in Spain.

“We know many of the players — some of them have been playing in France. Some of them have been playing with some of my teammates as well. It's a very serious team, like all the others, so that's definitely going to be a tough game. It's a tough game to start with.”

Grace Zaadi Deuna (FRA) – centre back

On the group:

“It's a tough, tough group and it's not easy to start with Poland. Poland is a great team with great players. They have, I think, a very balanced team — on each position, you know, they are very good. And we all know that France struggle every time to enter into the competition, so it's not an easy game.

“Second game, we have Spain. Even if it's a new Spanish team, with the young players and everything, I think it's more dangerous. And we saw this a few days ago. We had one friendly game against them, and we lost. It's a team, I think, it's easy to underestimate them, but they have this ‘grinta’ [sic.] thing, like the Spanish thing that will push them to go far, I think maybe, in this competition.

“And then we have Portugal. We aren't used to playing against Portuguese players, so we don't really know them. But as I’ve already seen, it's a great team that plays good handball. They have a good team play and for the moment we didn't really analyse them because it's our third game. But it will not be, I think, easy games — every game for us will be a very difficult and it's very difficult to predict, you know, how many points we will all get at the end of this first group.”

On whether experiencing tough first games has taught them how to handle it:

“We still don’t know, and I hate myself for this because, like, before every competition, it's been maybe many years — like since I'm in this French national team — it's a fact. And I hate to say that because sometimes you cannot have, you know, this second chance and particularly in a European championship where every point is very precious.

“I don't know how to explain this, but as I said, it's a fact. We struggle every time to enter in the competition. It’s more or less a good thing because we know that we can develop and, you know, increase the quality of our playbook. But I just hope that we will play good, and we will win the first game. This is my expectation.”

On whether things have changed with the change in coach from Olivier Krumbholz to Gardillou:

“Not inside the team, but more outside. Pressure that maybe also the coach has, you know, on his shoulders, because it's not easy, I think, to take the lead, after this Krumbholz reign. Krumbholz stayed maybe more than 20 years here and at the end, we had some good results and of course everybody expects him (Gardillou) also to follow, you know, this road.

“I think it's also up to us to help him to achieve great things. It's all about collaboration. So, for me, I think personally, you know, it gives me also more motivation to be efficient and to succeed, and to win in always the national team for him because he has been here for many years. He worked a lot in the shadow, and he was very precious to the team.

“I just hope that now it will be also his time in the spotlight. Inside the team, how the team works and everything, it's so good. It's a very caring atmosphere. Lovely but also very serious. And I just hope that we will be able to go very far in this competition, also for him.”

TÜRKIYE

Costica Buceschi (ROU) - head coach

On Türkiye’s Women's EHF EURO 2024 debut:

"For us, it is a very difficult tournament because it's the first time that we are here. First, we enjoy every day that we are here and every game as well.

“We don't have too much experience at this level, actually we don't have any experience at this level, but we want to be here. We fought for this place and now, we want to show to everybody that we can play handball."

On the opening match against Hungary:

"It will be very difficult for us because we are starting the competition against the co-hosts, Hungary. I know the passionate supporters in Hungary because I played here as a handball player myself, but we watched how they were playing in their last friendly match and we will try to make some good strategy for them.”

Elif Sila Aydin (TUR) - left wing

On making Türkiye proud:

"I'm so happy to be here at this tournament because we are here for the first time. This is so historical for our country and I'm so honoured and happy to be part of this, but I know that It will be hard. I know that because we're going to play for the first time against such a strong opponents."

On playing at the Women's EHF EURO 2024 as one of the debutants:

"That motivates us because we are so excited for the games, for this atmosphere. We will see it for the first time as we always watch (these type of matches) from our TV screens. And now, we're going to feel this atmosphere. So that's a big motivation and hopefully, everything will be okay for us, for our team."

On the teams playing in group A:

"On paper, two teams (Hungary and Sweden) seem more stronger, but every team playing at the Women's EHF EURO 2024 is a strong one. We will try to get points and try to win games. However, I'm so proud about my team, about my country and every teammate thinks the same. It's good that we are at this tournament and we want to be also at next tournament."

Asli Iskit-Caliskan (TUR) - left back

On the opening match against Hungary:

"It's so exciting for us to play here because we had never played at a European or World Championship before. All the girls are really excited to play the opening game and we are impatiently waiting."

On their opponents in group A:

"It's going to be so hard because we are playing Hungary and they are always aiming for a medal. They will run a lot and we have to run back with them. But also, we have to be calm and we have to be focused on our game, and we want to play best handball that we can.

“I think they are favourites, then Sweden, as the Scandinavian national teams are always the best. Finally, there is Macedonia and I think that we should win against them, and to show our handball to all of Europe, because we are the new faces at this tournament, I think we should prove something."

On using the Women's EHF EURO 2024 as platform to promote Turkish handball:

"We have too many young players and too many players who want to play at international level, outside of Türkiye. And at this platform everybody is watching you and all the spotlights are aimed at you. It is really nice, but it's also very hard. We have to be focused and enjoy in this moment, because we want to enjoy always. We have to be proud of ourselves and enjoy to play handball here.”

POLAND

Arne Senstad (NOR) - head coach

On the friendly matches they have played in preparation:

"It's shown that we are a team that need these kind of matches. It's still our challenge that too many of my girls are playing still in Poland, and don't get this experience other than in the championships to play teams like this.

"All the time we need these matches. We also saw, especially the last two matches against Sweden, that in the first match we really had some troubles, but then again in the second we managed to step up and be really close.

"On the best days, if we get the maximum out of every player, for sure we can play these teams. But in other days, our lowest level is still too low. We are excited and we want to play and we want to fight, and we'll have to see how the level is."

On developments since 2022:

"We don't maybe have the biggest stars, but we've tried to build this team. We started five years ago, and we started quite soon to put together an almost new team, with upcoming players and younger players, get some of them out in Europe to play for some good clubs. But still maybe I could wish (for) more of them to do this.

"We are trying to take care of this team attitude, that as a team we should try to reach our goals. I think that has showed also the last years that we are working with details all the time, that we are working with the physical condition, with how to play the modern handball, to try to develop the whole Polish handball.

"In both the EURO and the World Championship I think we don't have so much luck with the draw, we had really tough opponents in our groups all the time. Also this time for sure we didn't have the maximum luck - of course all teams are good, but I think that we have the ability and the chance to get this breakthrough. But I had hoped for some easier draws in some of the championships.

"The girls are developing. The girls really believe in the project and of course the federation, but it's hard for all the Polish to see that when I say and we say we are developing they cannot see it in the ranking, because that's not been too good. But we have the ability to fight for the top 10, top 12 for sure, but then again we need to beat some of the much higher-ranked opponents."

On their opponents at the EHF EURO:

"Everyone's talking about Spain, and that's for sure correct that they are new, but you saw this weekend in France (in the Golden League) that we are still talking about really good handball players.

"They still have a really really good team, and much higher-ranked than us.

"Portugal also, a team that's on their way up, for sure will give all 100 per cent. But this should be also in a championship.

"And France for sure also one of the top nations. We could have maybe seen a little bit easier group, but it will always be like this. 

"We are ready to fight, and we need to take care of our business and have our players on their top level because then we are quite a good team."

Monika Kobylinska (POL) - right back

On how the team is feeling:

"We are feeling good, we came here already on Monday so it's also nice that we had a little bit of time to get used to things here. Of course it's getting closer and closer, tomorrow is the first game, so you can feel that it's more and more emotion, but we can't wait to start."

On their first match against France:

"We have a big respect to France, of course, we know how big is the team. But we are actually focusing a lot on ourselves, to just play the best game we can. We believe in our team and let's see what the game will bring."

On how the team has developed in recent years:

"You can see in our play that we developed a lot and we are a better team. Also now for some years already with Arne (Senstad) we build the group so that it's similar, with small changes. We feel good together. 

"Maybe not all the tournaments were good for us - maybe sometimes unlucky, maybe sometimes if we fix small details the result would be much better. So I hope it's the time now for that to show for real what a team we are."

On Spain and Portugal, their other preliminary round opponents:

"Spain is a team that we know good and also have full respect (for). They are also showing in the big tournaments that they can play against everyone. We also know that it can be a key game for us, and we are focusing a lot on that. We are preparing with the tactic about it and maybe Portugal and Spain they are probably a little bit the same type, and play a lot one-against-one, and a lot of moments in defence.

"We know how good they are but we also know how good we are, so I think everything is open."

Paulina Uscinowicz (POL) - left back

On how the team is feeling:

"We are really excited. We wait for one year for the big championship so we really can't wait. We are ready, and we are just counting down the hours until tomorrow's game."

On the first game, against France:

"Meeting France in the first group game, it's a special thing. We expect hard handball, fast handball. But it doesn't matter against who we will start, we are really concentrated for the first game and we want to play our good handball from the start."

On the team's development:

"Definitely we have developed many things. Sometimes we are not happy about the result because they are not clearly presenting us as a team, but we definitely stepped up and we improve as a team. It's a perfect chance now to show our development and reach some good results with good handball."

NORTH MACEDONIA

Kristijan Grchevski (MKD) - head coach

On setting a goal for the squad ahead of the start of the tournament:

"Our goal has already been achieved by successfully qualifying for the Women's EHF EURO 2024 as one of the youngest squads and the appearance at the European championship will be a key point for us, for gaining valuable experience for the future."

On the opening match against Sweden:

"We can definitely feel the nerves, but in a positive way, although at the same time we are playing Sweden, which are primed to fight for a medal at the championship and we will try to represent ourselves in the best possible way. However, we are going to calculate a little bit as our target is the match against Türkiye, where we see our best chance of winning."

On how the young squad copes with playing at such a big tournament:

"We have a core group of experienced players and the rest of the squad consists of very young players and this championship will be of true value for our young players. In fact, we need a continuity of playing at major tournaments to become more experienced as a squad that we can use for the future.

“However, I feel that we hold accountability for that to achieve as a nation, as coaches in our country, the players themselves and hopefully, we can achieve that altogether."

On the atmosphere in the Fönix Arena:

"I hope the arena will be full and I hope that our passionate Macedonian supporters will be in in the stands to give us the support that we need."

Sara Ristovska (MKD) - right wing

On their preparations:

"We had good preparations ahead of the tournament, mainly in Porec (Croatia) and we played a couple of friendly matches in which we found out the things that we need to work on, both in defence and attack in order to prepare in the best possible way for the matches at the Women's EHF EURO 2024."

On their expectations for the EHF EURO:

"We have full focus on the next three matches and especially on the game against Türkiye because we know how important is that match for us and the possible win. Hopefully, we can stay disciplined and focused to achieve our goal at this tournament."

On being one of the more experienced players in the squad:

"We endure a change of generation within the squad that already lasts for a few years and it's a bit difficult because it's a bit tricky to translate some of our experience to the young players as they need to experience some things on the court and then, we can add do that.

“Definitely, the young players are on the right path and we have a lot of young players who are already playing for international clubs, outside of our country.”

On the opening match against Sweden:

"It's going to be a tough match as we know how good Sweden are, but we will try to adapt a patient style of play, which I don't think suits them because they want to play fast-paced style of play, but we are going to try our best and leave our hearts on the pitch because we shouldn't take for granted playing at a European championship. I believe in my squad as a captain."

Iva Mladenovska (MKD) - right back

On the opening match against Sweden:

"My expectations are that we'll play a great game, that will show that we can play against anyone and against such a strong opponent as Sweden are, which we know is one of the best teams in today's handball and they play really great, so I think we can show that we can live up to them.

On being earmarked by the EHF as one of the young players to watch at the Women's EHF EURO 2024:

"I'm really honoured by that and I'm happy that they think like that of me and I hope that I can prove that that's true."

On how the squad feels ahead of the tournament:

"We have set goals. We have goals to play good in every game. To show the best of our team and the best that we can play. And also we want to win some matches.

“I think we have a chance against Türkiye to win. I think we have a chance against anyone, but the biggest chance is Türkiye. And I think we have good chemistry in the team, we are really great prepared."

On how she will approach playing some of her idols at the Women's EHF EURO 2024:

"There are a lot of players I look up to, probably some of the older ones that I've watched on TV a couple of years ago. I'm really, really honoured to play against them. I think the Swedish team has really good players you can look up to and it's a pleasure to play at the championship."

SLOVAKIA

Jorge Duenas (ESP) - head coach

On their preparation:

"The preparation was good, but we have some small problems because we had two important injuries. For us it's a disappointment because in the last match against Ukraine, the friendly match against Ukraine, we had an important injury for one player - Adriana Holejová - so in this moment for us it's a disappointment.

"But the most important thing is to focus on our team. This is a sport as a team, so in general I'm satisfied with the preparation of this EURO."

On the future for the team:

"After 10 years this is the first time that Slovakia qualify for the EURO. For us it's very important because now it's a new generation, with new players. We must focus during the first round because I think that we have some chance to continue to the main round. 

"But we're working for the future at the same time, because in two years we have our EURO in our country, so that is important to focus now."

On the first match, against Austria:

"The first match always is difficult. For the players it's a start of the championship. We have a problem to play against one of the teams who organises this tournament, and it's a little bit difficult because normally the team who play at home they have a lot of supporters and good emotion.

"We must take advantage of this, because sometimes this is not good for the team who play at home because they're maybe very nervous. We must play with calm and try to focus during these 60 minutes."

Barbora Lancz (SVK) - right back

On being at the EHF EURO:

"It's amazing. We are happy that we are already here. Yesterday we went training and today we're so excited to train and do this photoshooting. We can't wait to play tomorrow and show our performance to the whole (of) Europe."

On their return to the EURO after 10 years:

"It's very special also for the whole country because it's after 10 years, so we're very happy. We have a good team, a young team, but we prove ourselves year by year."

On what to expect from Slovakia:

"We are a young team, so maybe we want to surprise because we are very good. We are confident enough to try to face the big teams, so we will try to do our best and of course we want some points maybe to go to the main round."

On their first game against Austria:

"It's special because they're at home, they also want to go to the main round. I think it will be a very good match both from our side and their side. We will be focused and prepare 100 per cent. The day will show if we will be more lucky and maybe better."

Tatiana Šutranová (SVK) - left back

On being at the EHF EURO:

"As a team we are very excited. After a long time Slovakia qualified for the EURO so for many player it's the first time. 

"We hope to show our best game, our best performance, and we are focused and we want to keep it like that for all of the games."

On what they hope to learn from their participation:

"For many of us it can be one of the most important games in the career, for young players maybe to start their career, maybe to have a chance to leave Slovakia, leave the Slovak league and try how it is outside, in different leagues and different countries. 

"For more experienced players we hope for them to take more responsibility to show the focus and to lead the team."

On the meaning of their participation for Slovakia:

"Handball is for sure growing in the past few years, it's been more and more popular. We still cannot compare it with other ball sports in Slovakia - let's say ice hockey would be the most fan favourite - but handball is getting its popularity, and with that comes more responsibility to show that it's worth its popularity."

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