Tension builds as quarter-finals throw off
The TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4 2024 is only two matches away for the eight teams that enter the first leg of the Machineseeker EHF Champions League 2023/24 quarter-finals this week. The field includes four former champions plus the reigning titleholders SC Magdeburg, who visit 2016 winners Industria Kielce in Wednesday’s Match of the Week, a rematch of last year’s final.
The Magdeburg team has changed a bit compared to the final in June last year. I think they are even stronger. We have had very difficult moments this season, but now is the most important period. We endured a time when we didn't have such good results, when we had a lot of injuries, but now we are in good shape and ready to fight.
These are the quarter-finals of the Machineseeker EHF Champions League. There are no easy opponents. We want to build on our good performances in recent weeks.
We will face a brutal emotional and physical challenge in Montpellier, so we will have to hold our own on Wednesday. The game in Berlin last Sunday (32:32 draw with Füchse) was a very good preparation for that. We can win there if we realise our potential and deliver a performance similar to Berlin.
This will be one of the most important clashes of the season, as the stakes are the EHF FINAL4. However, this will only be the first part of the duel, as we will play another match against them in Denmark. Whatever the result of the first match, I think that the second match will be the most important. That is why we do not want to put too much pressure on ourselves. But it is certain that we will fight as always!
Veszprém have seemed really strong this season, and by now there are no easy games left in the tournament. It can be important to have the decisive game at home, and this week we just need to get the best start as possible in the away game.
This match is going to be a real fight, against one of the best European teams. We must stay united and make the effort for 60 minutes. I can’t wait to be in Coubertin, with the warm atmosphere and the support of our fans. They will have a big role to play.
I don’t think there’s a favourite team in this match, I think the chances are 50-50. PSG are also a team that have large experience in playing crucial matches, the same as we have. We’ll go to Paris with the desire and will to win. Then, we’ll see how things will be for the second leg
