This evening, at half past eight, the Zebras will start in the new season of Champions League in front of Metalurg Skopje. Will it be an easy match? Surely not. It is a Champions League game after all...
On 29th April 2007, THW Kiel beat Flensburg 29:27 in the second leg of the Champions League´s final and won for the trophy for the first time in their history. In the first leg, the both teams were even, 28:28.
On 11th May 2008, the German Champions succeeded to defeat Ciudad Real in Spain (29:27) and were on their way to the second consecutive triumph in the competition. But unfortunately, a beautiful dream turned into a horrible nightmare: Didier Dinart and his colleagues won in Kiel with 31:25 and took the cup home.
Today, on 2nd October 2008 a new edition of the most prestigious competition for clubs will start. Kiel´s aim: to win back the trophy.
To reach their goal, for the beginning, the team coachedy by Alfred Gislason must won or end second in the group C. His rivals? Barcelona, Drammen and Skopje.
- Nikola, did you watch a video of Skopje?
"No, we didn´t watch it yet. The club didn´t get it yesterday, but it is intended to watch as soon as possible, just before the game."
- Isn´t it embarrassing to play against a team and to not know much about it?
"It is not our case. We know many things about this squad. First of all, they are a Champions League team, so...Second, Skopje is situated in the former Yugoslavia and that means that they are strong. I think that us expects a defence 3-2-1, very aggressive. And then we know that half of the players from Skopje play in the National Team and this team eliminated Iceland in the qualifications matches for the next World Championships. That´s why we have to take the game seriously and to be concentrated. We have no right to lose this dispute."
- How are you?
"I feel good, there is no reason to be concerned. Well, I have to admit that I am not at my best and it is normal after a break of four weeks. But I feel better from day after day."
NK22.COM
