Farewell interview with László Nagy

 

László Nagy spent his last season on the court, and after this retirement, he will act as Sports director of Telekom Veszprém. We made this interview upon his farewell.

 

 

I am mostly satisfied with my last season.

 

We qualified for the Final4 five times out of my seven years, and we played the final three times. It would have been good to win the Champions League once, twice or even three times, obviously. Who would not have tried to do that? I think the players are the angriest about not being able to do it, especially because of our Fans and sponsors. However, if we look at the fact that we were amongst the top four teams of the world five times in seven years, we can say that there is quality work done. I am proud of that.

 

Mostly the same as it was on the court. To give my best in order to contribute to the success of the team. There was pressure on me until now, and there will be for years to come, regarding the future signings. I transform this pressure to challenge and I will look at my new status this way. I am really determined and in the last few weeks and months, the board has given me some insight on how this side of handball works. I feel the next chapter of my life interesting.

 

 

The explanation is simple. As I have already said it in the Fans’ farewell, back in 1997 or ’98, Csaba Hajnal appeared in Szeged. He wanted to see Laci Nagy from Szeged, play in Veszprém. I already had a pre-agreement with Barcelona, and I signed a long, seven yearlong contract with them. When that contract expired, Csaba Hajnal came to Spain to lure me home. Then I signed another five-year contract with Barca then after those five years, Csaba Hajnal came again. We started talking about the possibility by then and Mr. Hajnal was relentless. With the help of Mr. Gábor Kálomista, they convinced me about why I have to sign with Veszprém. It was an open secret that I would like to retire from Barcelona, but looking back, I happy that I did it in Veszprém. Mr. Hajnal and Mr. Kálomista told me a very convincing professional plan. If we go back to the start of this conversation, where I speak about the five Final4s in seven years, then this professionalism is legit. They could make a team that is Final4 material. We were close to winning it, but unfortunately, we could not make it. I am happy that I can finish my career in Veszprém, in front of Fans like this, and in an Arena with such atmosphere.

 

Only positively. I got a lot of attack from people back then, when the topic of being a Spanish international came up. I was not a liked person, and it was clear for me. As I started to perform in Veszprém jersey, I think those people got quieter, and unsympathy turned to love towards me and the team as well. I looked at the season as a big challenge and I knew that there will be a huge job waiting for me. I was not scared and tried to do my best. The first year went through with a good taste in my mouth.

 

The atmosphere of the Arena is outstanding. They could put such a pressure on the opponent, or even sometimes to the referees. This help meant difference in goal number from time to time. It is an experience for life. This love went around the country as well, not only Veszprém. I will cherish these memories positively.

 

 

Maybe the first two. We were looking at the replacement of Carlos Perez on the left side, and Momir Ilic was only coming next year. These two seasons were the best. There are worse periods in the life of a sportman, but I always tried to compensate with better defense, or with helping my teammates with passes. I tried to take my part out of everything.

I had an 11 goals game in Kiel, and if I remember well, I had a 12 goals game against Atletico Madrid. These are memories that stuck. Besides these, the first time we qualified to the Final4, by beating PSG on home court. It was a huge moment for me, and for the spectators as well.

 

If I think quick, I would say the most successful season in the Club’s history, is the most beautiful one, when we won the Hungarian championship and Cup, also the SEHA League and we played in the Final4. It is a great memory. The most hurtful one is that we could not win the Champions League.

 

 

The games against Szeged were always special, that is obvious, but there are a lot. Handball got much stronger. There were unpleasant teams to play against, for example, we were always suffering against Celje, at home and in away as well. It was always hard to play in Kiel in a huge arena and against a great opponent. World-class players played in PSG as well.

 

I signed with Barcelona pretty young, where I had a great example. It determined my career so much, and my overall point of view on handball, that I try to pass on for the Hungarian youngsters. I hope that they can profit from these tips. I think the overall point of view should be changed. They should not look at opportunities to miss some exercises in the gym, but to look for the thing that makes them better. If we changes this view they will leave the gym with profit.

 

First, luck. I am thinking about avoiding injuries. Second, lots and lots of work put in. Third, the point of view, that I was talking about before.

 

This is not a farewell, but a start of a new life. I am happy that I will still be in Veszprém. So, let’s go Veszprém!