Tension builds ahead of high-octane clashes in round 2
Fans witnessed exciting confrontations in round 1 and it seems like we can expect the same this week. After featuring in the opening round’s Match of the Week, Nantes are again part of the party, celebrating the arrival of Kielce in round 2. The Polish side and Aalborg are current leaders of group B, but the latter face a tough away trip to Zagreb. Titleholders Barça, on the other hand, will be playing home against Szeged.
Yahia Omar’s return to his former club Veszprém with his new teammates from Paris highlights the round 2 matches of the Machineseeker EHF Champions League in group A – it is the only duel between two winners in the opening match day in that group. Two more Spanish coaches – like in the top duel – lock horns in Plock, while Berlin travel to Bitola and Fredericia have their EHF Champions League debut on home ground.
The Champions League is a very demanding and different competition that holds surprises, but this will be their first match at home and I have no doubt that they will go out with all their desire in front of their fans. There is always a very good atmosphere there and the arena is full. Wisla is a team that plays with great intensity.
We will prepare for the match as always, as best as possible. The competition has just started and there is still uncertainty in these first matches. All the teams want to play well, but we still don't know the exact level of each one and where we will be. We want to go out and win all the matches to make a place for ourselves and from there we will evaluate how we are because at this stage the teams are not yet mature. For us, it will be our first away match and we want to see how the team reacts away from the support of our fans.
We play against a team that has strengthened a lot. They have three or four players with a lot of qualities in certain positions this season. They are very strong and fast. It's our first home match and we have to fill the ORLEN Arena to make our hall a fortress that is difficult to conquer and to make our fans help us achieve victories.
The preparations for this match are going well. We are expecting the vice-champions of Germany, one of the strongest teams in Europe, and for us it is a new chance to prove ourselves. We have our first home game coming up and I expect a full hall and huge support. With them we will try to achieve what we failed to do in the previous match.
It's our first away game in the Champions League, which means we certainly need nerves of steel and have to keep a cool head — especially against an opponent like Pelister. On the one hand, we're facing a challenging journey, but on the other, we can expect a very good atmosphere there. But if we play our game well, we certainly have a good chance of picking up our first two points.
Yaya [Omar] is not just a former teammate to me, but my brother. He is one of the best players in the world, so we have to analyse his game. Last year, at the end of the season, we usually "kill" each other in trainings. And now we will play as an opponents in a particularly important match, where it will probably be a similarly big fight — naturally within fair conditions. He is one of the most outstanding handball players in Paris, so we have to prepare not only for him, but also for everyone else. It will not be easy emotionally, but we are professional players. Everyone will fight for their own club and try to perform as well as possible on the field.
Sporting CP is a top team in Portugal with some really talented players. It’s going to be a tough challenge, but we’re excited to face them on our home court. Personally, it’s always a special feeling playing in front of our fans, and after the start we've had in the Champions League, we’re eager for momentum and we’re ready to give it everything.
Fredericia HK is certainly a very difficult opponent and even more so playing in front of a knowledgeable and enthusiastic audience. Sporting CP must aim to win points away from home. We know the difficulty and mental strength will have to be a characteristic, especially away from home.
I think the boys played really well last week against Nantes, especially in the second half. They really found each other and played some good handball. I really feel that our team has a lot more to offer and I can really see how we learn more and more about each other for every game. As a new coach I have high expectations, but if we play like last week we can beat Zagreb and use our width.
I am happy I have an opportunity to come there [to Nantes] as a Kielce player. For me, beating them will be the best way to come back there.
It is weird, but I know all the team; I know how they play. I will give all I have to my new team to beat them. I know the arena, atmosphere, people, players as well. It is a good point but also bad. I know how they play, but they know how I play.
We have to play a very high level game against a top European team. We hope to take some points as soon as possible — why not tomorrow? For that, we have to be disciplined and focused.
Magdeburg has been to the [EHF] FINAL4 the last two years, and has almost the same team as last year. They will be a difficult opponent. I know of many of their players and they are very good. They won everything in Germany last season and are of course favourites to win.
Kolstad has a squad full of top-class players. We are looking forward to the first home game of the season in the Champions League.
Barcelona away is probably the toughest task you can have in the club world of handball, but we are not going there for fun. We will fight and do everything we can to put pressure on them so that if they don't have their best day, maybe we can have the chance to get something from this match. For sure it will be important to run home fast when they get the ball.
