Pre-Final4 statements

The most important weekend of the season is coming, that is the Final Four of the Champions League in Cologne. This Saturday in the semi-final, at 6 pm MKB-MVM Veszprém is going to play against THW Kiel which defeated us last year. Before the big event, we made interviews with Coach Ortega, Captain László Nagy, and the two right wings, Assistant Captain Péter Gulyás and Gasper Marguc who is facing his very first Final Four.

 

 

Antonio Carlos Ortega: I think both Veszprém and Kiel have strengthened since the previous season. But we have more experience. Last year we had a lot of new things in Cologne which disturbed us; managers, other players, friends, family as well as the media hype. Now we know what to expect and it makes easier to concentrate only on playing handball. So we can state that we are already familiar with the atmosphere in Cologne; we are more experienced and it helps us find the way to rest which is also quite important. We’ve learned a lot from the match against Kiel last year and we are aware that if we let them overcome, then we are in trouble. Their defence method results in them gaining more balls, which is dangerous so we have to stop their fast breaks. I’m sure that my players will do their best in order to win in each game of Final4.

 

 

László Nagy: Our team is more unified and stronger than last year, I think – well, it is demonstrated by our previous games and the whole season. We gained a lot of experiences in Final 4 last year and now we aim at avoiding the mistakes we made, especially lost balls and hasty game. We better listen to our mind instead of our heart. If we are able to stop their fast breaks, then we can end up playing an open game with them. Their offense is outstanding so despite we are preparing as hard as we can, we cannot prepare for everything. The most important thing is to prevent their fast breaks. Their 3-2-1 defence is really terrible because the players of the team are in great physical condition occupying big space so we have to score precisely and make use of every chance of scoring. Practicing the tactics was essential and it was obvious during the trainings that we are really determined. We tried to prepare with cheerful moments but at the end of the season we are tired, apparently, but the feeling of anticipation is now greater.

 

 

Péter Gulyás: Our aim is to end up in a better place than last year; I think we are a better team now. I think the teams in Final 4 have equal qualities, the strongest four teams got into the finals, we will see how we can perform. In order to be effective, we have to stop Kiel’s fast breaks. We can find the weaknesses of THW; it is important that we play against them as a unified team. I’m sure that there will be a lot of Kiel fans especially because the Germans pull for them so they can feel like home there. We are in good form, everyone is waiting for Final 4, however the team is also a bit nervous. I hope that everyone will calm down and we will able to perform great.

 

 

Gasper Marguc: I’m facing my first Final 4; I’m not nervous yet but I suppose I will be when the game is coming. But it’s normal. I think we should call it excitement. Kiel is a great team with outstanding players just like every other team. Each action and move is significant; it will be an extremely tight and hard game. But I’m confident and I think we can defeat them. There are some injuries in our team but it’s absolutely normal at the end of the season. All of us will perform our best because playing in Champions League Final Four is not an everyday situation.