GROUP C
UKRAINE
Szeged, 15 January – Quotes from Ukraine assistant coach Vyacheslav Lochman (UKR) at a media call on Saturday.
Vyacheslav Lochman (UKR) – assistant coach, Ukraine
On the game Ukraine played against Serbia:
“It was only the first game without any preparation games. It was the opening game, we are ready for the next game.”
On the things Ukraine must improve on:
“First of all, we need to improve our efficiency play in offence, we missed too many shots and we let the Serbian players score too easily. We analysed our first game, and there are many areas where we can improve.”
On the long-term plan Ukraine has set up for the next years:
“We have at least five of our players who played their first official game for the national team on Thursday, many other players play their first EHF EURO this year. For sure, we could have brought more experienced players, and maybe get results right away, but the strategy is to develop younger players, to make them progress across two or three years.”
GROUP D
GERMANY
Bratislava, 15 January – Quotes from Germany centre back Philipp Weber (GER), left back Sebastian Heymann (GER) and sports director Axel Kromer (GER) at a media call on Saturday.
Philipp Weber (GER) – centre back
On the match against Belarus:
“We had hoped for a different initial period, but we were prepared on a strong Belarusian start. We kept calm and we knew that we have more power than them after the break. In the end, we managed to reduce the gap already before the break – and then we controlled the match.
“It was no good start, but we are happy that we know that we can come back like we did in the last match against France, when we were below by four and finally won. But for the next matches we should focus on a better start.”
On the new German line-up:
“It was a special match for those nine players, who played their first ever match at a major tournament. Of course, they were nervous. Our experienced back court axis took the responsibility when it was not running well, as we are quite rehearsed, but we all know that we need all those young players during the tournament, we need this breadth in the squad, and we rely on all of them.”
On Austria:
“We know their players quite well and we faced them quite often in the last years, so we know what to expect. We have seen parts of their match against Poland, and we will prepare intensely.”
Sebastian Heymann (GER) – left back
On his first EHF EURO match:
“Of course I did not sleep that well before my first ever match at a major tournament, and I was anxious and nervous. But I am quite satisfied with my start, and I even could enjoy my time on the court. Finally, I was happy that we won and that we have two important points on our account. Personally, I could gain a lot of experience, Now I can be more relaxed.”
On the match against Austria:
“We took much confidence from the fact that we beat Belarus, which hopefully makes things easier against Austria. I will not be an easy-going match, but I am sure we can win.”
Axel Kromer (GER) – sports director
On the start against Belarus:
“It is usual that you need some time at the start of major tournaments to find your constancy, especially when you have a new team like we have now. We need some time to rehearse. We win as a team and we lose as a team, no matter if you are a young or an experienced player. So we are looking forward to improve against Austria.”
POLAND
Bratislava, 15 January – Quotes from Poland coach Patryk Rombel (POL) and line player Maciej Gebala (POL) at a media call on Saturday.
Patryk Rombel (POL) – coach
On the next opponent:
“Belarus are a completely different team compared with Austria. They count on high quality players such as Kielce’s stars Artsem Karalek or Uladzislau Kulesh, they have strong wings and have much experience from the [EHF] Champions League. On a good day, Belarus can surprise every team in the world. So we are aware.”
On the atmosphere in the team after the opening victory:
“The atmosphere is good, and it gets even better, when we all receive negative test results. We were so happy that we could play against Austria and even more that we won. We now focus on Belarus and do not look ahead at what could come next.”
Maciej Gebala (POL) – line player
On Belarus:
“We know them and their qualities. We know that [Uladzislau] Kulesh can score from 12 metres and that [Artsem] Karalek is a great line player. It is hard to find the right balance to defend: if we play too offensive, Karalek scores, if we stand on six metres, it will be Kulesh. But we also know ways to stop them, hopefully.
“Definitely, our defence will be the key to success. And if we score 36 goals again like against Austria, we will win, though we know that on paper Belarus are a stronger team than Austria.”
AUSTRIA
Bratislava, 15 January – Quotes from Austria coach Ales Pajovic (SLO), centre back Nikola Bilyk (AUT) and sports director Patrick Fölser (AUT) at a media call on Saturday.
Ales Pajovic (SLO) – coach
On the opening defeat:
“The preparation for the game against Poland was good, but then we conceded 36 goals. That's too much to win the game. Our attack was okay but we couldn't stop the Polish players. We tried to fight back but it was impossible without defence. The two cancelled test matches were not the reason for the defeat. We could have played three friendlies beforehand and still lost. Now we have to forget the game.”
On the match against Germany:
“We'll do everything we can to get two points. Germany are the favourites, they are strong and they beat France in preparation. It's going to be tough for us. We hope that our defence will be better. I've just seen in training that we were present and motivated. We have to put that on the record, then we can show a good performance.”
Nikola Bilyk (AUT) – centre back
On the defeat against Poland:
“We briefly analysed the game against Poland and then ticked it off. Anyone who knows anything about handball knows that 36 goals are too many. Scoring 31 goals is okay, but when you concede that many goals it is very difficult to win.”
On the upcoming match against Germany:
“Germany will do everything to beat us. It will not be an easy game, but we are happy to play against the German team. We will see what happens. We do not look at our opponent that much, as we will concentrate on preparing and then we want to play a better game.
Patrick Fölser (AUT) - sports director
On the injury to Lukas Hutecek:
“We had an MRI done and he is out for the tournament and at least for six weeks due to an ankle injury. I feel sorry for Lukas, he is a great boy and we will miss him. We have called Marin Martinovic from the Vienna Fivers, he is already on his way here.”
