Interview with our legendary player, Károly Pardi

 

There was an example in the history of Veszprém handball that the team got into a big deficit in the knockout stage of the biggest European Cup, but still managed to go through to the next round. As it is already known, Telekom Veszprém lost to Skjern Handbold by 7 goals in the first leg of the Champions League eights-final, making their situation difficult regarding the qualification to the next round. However, on 27 September 1986 VÁÉV Építők (former name of Veszprém) suffered an 8 goals defeat as the guests of Dimitrov Sofia (21:13) in the European Champions’s Club Cup which was the predecessor of the Champions League. A week later, the team guided by Sándor Kaló head coach, managed to beat their Bulgarian opponent by 12 goals (25:13) and advanced to the best 16 teams in the ECCC. The great line player of this team was Károly Pardi, whom we asked about the happenings on that game and about the chances of “Építők” advancing this time.

 

 

In the first game the Romanian referee pair got a touch to that game, and I can say it without any exaggeration. Mainly they were the reason we lost by such a huge margin. After the game, we felt like we have to beat this Bulgarian team well at home, and it cannot be a problem for us. We knew that we were not the problem on that game; we did not miss 5-6 clear chances. I cannot say anything else after all these year, we got beaten by the referees on that match.

 

We started that week that we had until the second leg, saying we are going to eat them and we are going to advance against them by sheer defiance. The difference in knowledge between Sofia and us was kind of the same as it is now between Veszprém and Skjern. We had big names as well, like János Gyurka, Gyula Molnár or József Végh.

 

 

We were pissed off, already in Sofia after the match. Sándor Kaló, headcoach of the team back then, said the following things to us: “Look, if we score 2 more goals than we get in every 15 minutes, we will advance”. I think that we can advance once again along that logic, and it may not cause a big problem. The tactical awareness was not on the same level back then than it is nowadays but it was not a question for us that we can go through.

 

Let’s do what we can, push them as hard as we can and do not give them any chances. Start the game in a way that they might think in the 5th minute: That is it boys, we might as well get in the shower already. It may not mean that we will lead by 6 goals in the 5th minute. It is enough if we lead by 3-4 goals and from that point have their hands shaking with the ball. I am sure that the atmosphere will be great in the Arena. If the Supporters bring the usual, it would help the team very much. I am planning to watch the game from my usual spot and root for the team. I think, if the boys get in with full throttle, there is no way they cannot advance.

 

 

 

IHF European Champion’s Club Cup, for advancing to the best 16

First game – 27.09.1986.: VIF G. Dimitrov Sofia – VÁÉV Építők SE 21:13 (-8 goals)

Second game – 04.10.1986.: VÁÉV Építők SE – VIF G. Dimitrov Sofia 25:13 (+12 goals)

 

Players of Veszprém stepping on the court on those games: Jakab, Bartalos – Ulcz, Gyurka, Brenner, Pardi, Molnár, Végh, Gulyás, Baki, Áment. Headcoach: Sándor Kaló