MOTW re-starts at zero, three sides close to quarter-finals
Kielce, Veszprém and PSG took more or less clear away victories in the first leg of the Machineseeker EHF Champions League play-offs. In contrast to this trio, which opened the gate widely for the quarter-finals, the MOTW between Montpellier and Zagreb re-starts at zero after the draw in the reverse fixture. The Croatian side dreams of their first quarter-final participation in eight years
It won't be difficult to concentrate. We go into every EHF Champions League match fully focused. You don't need motivation for such matches.The key to victory will be focus and respect for the opponent. This is the second match in a week for both teams, such matches are not easy to play. However, we already have more information about the opponent. On the other hand, they also know more about us
For starters - we're definitely not travelling to Montpellier with a 'white flag'. We believe we've got what it takes to deliver a better performance than we did a week ago in Zagreb, and we'll do everything we can to prove that out there on the court. I think the game is going to be similar to the one we saw last Wednesday, and that the final winner will be decided in the last 10 minutes of the game.
I've already told my players, I wasn't completely satisfied with last Thursday's handball, it was a great victory, no doubt, but we know we can do this better. I would be truly satisfied if we could advance in every element of the game.
You can never prepare against Szeged as if it will be an easy match. We always play tough matches against each other. We played well in the first match and thanks to that we can expect the home game from a good position. It will be a new game and anything can happen. Of course, we will fight to win at home and reach the quarter-finals.
We're happy to have a four-goal advantage, but Plock are still a team that gave us problems. They play strong, with intensity. We must give all that we have to win this game and achieve to reach the quarterfinals.
We are playing a difficult match against a great opponent on Thursday, but we are nevertheless going to Paris with the intention of making up for our defeat and advancing to the quarter-finals. We know it won't be easy, but we have experience in such situations and we go there with that in mind.
