TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4 2023 flash quotes

Sunday 18 June 2023

Quotes from the TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4 2023 in Cologne:
FINAL: SC MAGDEBURG (GER) VS BARLINEK INDUSTRIA KIELCE (POL) 30:29 a.e.t.

SC MAGDEBURG (GER)

Nikola Portner (SUI) - goalkeeper

On winning the EHF FINAL4 on Magdeburg's first appearance: 

“It’s a special weekend, not just because we played two games so close to each other - with extra time twice - but because the EHF FINAL4 is just simply special. It’s truly an incredible experience!”

“It’s almost like tradition, that some teams who qualify for the EHF FINAL4 weekend just come and win it all. It is absolutely amazing!”

On Kristjánsson’s return for the final game:

“It was a really hard game for us, especially after last night’s semi-final. We were all so happy that Gísli Kristjánsson was able to return today and play an amazing game.”

On the Magdeburg family: 

“We’re truly just one big family at Magdeburg. The club is always there to help and support us, no matter what. I’m honoured to be a part of such an amazing team and family.”

Mike Jensen (DEN) - goalkeeper

About the final:

"There are no words. The team delivered in the right moment. It was a strange game to be honest but we came back and we won."

Matthias Musche (GER) - left wing

About the win:

"I am wasted. There is a huge burden falling of us as a team and we are happy. To win the Champions League final is the biggest thing for a handball player. There are just no words to describe how I feel."

Phillip Weber (GER) - left back

About the win:

"It was my childhood dream to win the Campions League final. I never thought that it would become true. This whole weekend was incredible. We wrote history, this club wrote history!"

Kay Smits (NED) - right back

About the win:

"I still cannot believe it. Again we had to play extra time. What a game, what an end. We would have loved to finish this game earlier but we didn't use our chances. But we made it and we are holding the cup in our my
hands."

About the Magdeburg fans:

"We won't sleep today. We saw already yesterday that the fans in Magdeburg are going crazy. We can't wait to shower and get to Magdeburg to celebrate with them!"

Gísli Thorgeir Kristjánsson (ISL) - centre back

About his injury:

"I didn't even know if I would play 24 hours ago. The doctors already told me that this injury could last until next year. But our physio team and the doctors managed to get my shoulder back on track so I could play tonight. They are the real MVPs tonight."

About the MVP title:

"This is one of the best moments in my life."

BARLINEK INDUSTRIA KIELCE (POL)

Dylan Nahi (FRA) - left wing

On losing the final for the second time in a row:

“We always focus on just one year, and try to do our best during the entire season. But it’s the EHF FINAL4 and the last game, so it’s all or nothing. Maybe they were more focused and won it like this.”

“It was a very difficult season and now we have to think about coming back again and just working harder to achieve our goal of winning the EHF FINAL4 next year.”

On the team’s energy before the match:

“It’s the final, the pressure is on, no matter what. It’s not about who is fresher or more rested. Everyone is giving their all.” 

Alex Dujshebaev (SPA) - right back

On the reasons why Kielce lost the final again after last year:

“It’s complicated, no one really understands the situation. Maybe it’s something about it being the last game of the season, but I don’t know, I don’t have any excuses.”

Andreas Wolff (GER)

About the finale

"I've said from the real beginning that Magdeburg is the best team
worldwide. They just prooved it a few minutes ago. My biggest respect
for this incredible team. Magdeburg won today, we lost and we have to
deal with it."

Sunday 18 June 2023

Quotes from the TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4 2023 in Cologne:
3/4 placement match Barça (ESP) vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA)

Barça (ESP)

Antonio Carlos Ortega (ESP) — coach

On the game:

"The match was really difficult to play because yesterday’s game was really tough for us. We had a conversation in the evening and also this morning. And this club and this team showed how things should be done: try to compete and be at its best. I’m proud of the players because the team won even though it was broken."

On the sum-up of the whole season:

"It is difficult to explain, we did not lose any game in regular time but we are third in the Champions League. The team had an amazing season. We lost the only way we could lose, which means fighting all game long, going to extra-time and leaving the court with our heads high.”

Hampus Wanne (SWE) - left wing

On coming back to the EHF FINAL4 nine years after:

"It was strange coming back after so many years, I have so many fun memories here. Unfortunately, things did not go exactly the way we wanted. But we showed the kind of team and the kind of club we are, I’m really proud of what we achieved."

On his experience in Barcelona so far:

"This year was a tough season. We played well and now we won the bronze medal. Although Spain is a new country with a new language, different culture, I am thankful to be here and as a team we know that we will be here next year again!"

Jonathan Carlsbogard (SWE) - left back

On how the team recovered after the semi-final defeat and won the bronze medals:

"Yesterday wasn't nice. We were all tired and disappointed. Today in the game we just showed the 100% that we have. We are just happy that it worked out, we got the bronze medal and have now the time to go on holidays. Next year we will come back again."

Blaz Janc (SLO) - right wing

On the bronze medal:

"To become first place in this tournament you need to win two matches. Yesterday we lost in extra-time. Today we tried to show that we earn this bronze medal as a team. And we will show everyone next year that we will earn the trophy again."

Melvyn Richardson (FRA) - right back

On playing the bronze medal game:

"We finished a hard season. Today was very difficult of course, to play for the bronze. But the fans were great and the atmosphere was amazing.”

"PSG is a really good team. At the Final4, the difference is in the small details. Today, we were better, but that’s handball, everything depends on the smallest details of the game.”

"Yesterday was the most important game and we couldn’t do it. To mentally prepare after a game like that in less than a day was difficult. But we managed to finish on a positive note, which was important for us, especially for the people who are leaving the team."

On coming back stronger next year:

"We are even more motivated to come back next year. But for now, I am looking forward to resting and disconnecting from handball for a little bit and enjoy the summer."

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN HANDBALL (FRA)

Raul Gonzalez (ESP) — coach

On PSG having problems to recover from their semi-final loss:

"We played with a lot of intensity and a lot of pressure yesterday and also today. Everybody was really tired, everybody knows we had difficulties. Luc Steins was tired, Elohim Prandi had problems with his hand, and it got a little bit too much. Clearly, in the first twenty minutes, Barça were better than us."

On PSG lacking rotations on the backcourt:

"It depends, last year we had more rotations and we did not succeed either. Sadly, we were unfortunate with Elohim as he injured his hand on the last action of the last game before coming here. We did not have the chance to be able to count on him. Everybody does a lot of great work and the team has been working perfectly that way. And I think it will be the same way next season."

Luka Karabatic (FRA) – line player

On the support Paris got from their fans over the weekend:

"The support from the fans means a lot, even after today’s loss. We finished fourth but they were still in the stands, cheering for us. For me, this is huge. We, as players, have always been there, we fought all year long and the fans saw it. We also played for them, never easy to play a placement game, 15 hours after a huge game yesterday. It was too hard for us, especially in the first half, butl osing today is not that big of a deal.”

On the sum-up of the season:

“It’s a success I think, we had a lot of challenges ahead of us last summer. We had a lot of changes in the squad, a lot of questions, and the season had its ups and downs. But in the head, we never let go. We missed the final by one goal, even though we had the chance to qualify. I don’t think this defeat should shadow all of the rest."

Luc Steins (NED) - centre back

On his experience at the TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4:

"It was a complicated game, but that’s the FINAL4 weekend. It is not the end of all our achievements this season. Of course, we know that without Niko (Karabatic) it was going to be a difficult FINAL4."

"It’s true that it is not easy to remain on the top. It’s a shame that we couldn’t win this year, but we will come back stronger. We will continue our work in the Champions League next season. We will focus on becoming stronger together, as a team, so we can come back and finally win it."

Dainis Kristopans (LAT) - right back

On losing the bronze match:

"Yesterday was the main game, and we couldn’t do it. It was challenging to recover for today’s bronze match. We talked about the details of the game and discussed what we should do as a team. I don’t know, maybe we just felt unlucky this weekend."

Dominik Mathe (HUN) – right back

On losing the third place match:

“The first day was extremely difficult of course, we lost in a very close game. Today was probably even worse, but at least I got the chance to play. I need to continue working and improving so that I can come back stronger.”

Jannick Green (DEN) - goalkeeper

On the defeats in Cologne:

"We give everything every year and try to prepare our mindsets for this tournament. This year it just did not work. There can be just one winner and we lost this chance by loosing on saturday against Kielce. We will return next year and then we will do better."

Saturday 17 June 2023

Quotes from the TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4 2023 in Cologne:
Semi-final 2 Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA) vs Barlinek Industria Kielce (POL)

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN HANDBALL (FRA)

Raul Gonzalez (ESP) — coach

On the semi-final against Kielce:

"We were very good in the first half even though we had some problems in defence, but we were stronger in the second half. We made some mistakes on both sides of the court and Kielce were very strong, we respect them and congratulate them."

On Paris’ offensive difficulties:

"Everybody was tired, it was harder to keep the ball and to play with qualify. We had a lot of pressure but that is not an excuse, this is the FINAL4 and every game is like this. We had problems on offence but they had some too. This is a game in which defences took the upper hand, clearly."

Luc Steins (NED) - centre back

On the loss against Kielce in the semi-final:

"Kielce had a great game, it was a real fight, the difference was made by details. Both teams played strong in defence, we could not score as many goals as usual. We only scored 24, we usually score 30, this is where we lost the game in my opinion. Kielce did a really good job in defence, they are a really experienced team at this level where games are decided in defence. I am really disappointed of course, but I hope this game will be useful for us in the future."

On Elohim Prandi taking the blame for the loss:

"Of course it is not his fault, it’s incredible to see him here, he’s been a real fighter after all he went through. I was already happy that he could be with us and able to play this semi-final. If I score the last shot, we go to extra-time and this is it. Everybody makes mistakes and everybody does great things. He gave everything for the team. We all fought for 60 minutes but today that was not enough."

On Andreas Wolff’s performance:

"He is an amazing goalkeeper but we knew that before. Today, he put us in trouble at the start of the second half with his amazing saves. But our goalkeepers were also really good. Andreas Wolff was key, as he kept us from scoring. We were better defensively but he managed to keep us from coming back on the scoreboard."

On expectations for the third place match:

"We prepared a lot for today and we focused on organizing our attack. Unfortunately, the first half was very hard for us, but we will recover and try our best to finish the season with a win."

Andreas Palicka (SWE) - goalkeeper

On PSG as a team:

"Playing for PSG is always an honour. I have been doing this for over 20 years, so I know my job. I feel very comfortable in PSG, we have a nice mix of young and old players and we give each other a lot of energy. I was so happy to see Elohim back on the court, I have nothing but love for him and the entire team. Just because we lost, it’s not all negative, we have to learn how to lose."

Mathieu Grebille (FRA) - left back

On ending the season on a positive in tomorrow’s game:

"It was a really difficult game, the beginning of the first half especially. The details don’t really matter in the end, we will rest and recover for tomorrow. The entire season is not lost, we’ll try to end it with a win tomorrow and give our best performance. Today wasn’t our day."

Jannick Green (DEN) - goalkeeper

On the defeat:

"We didn't start the second half as expected. I am disappointed."

BARLINEK INDUSTRIA KIELCE (POL)

Talant Dujshebaev (ESP) — coach

On the win in the semi-final:

“We are satisfied but we have not done anything yet. We are in the final, so I am satisfied but I remember last year. I remember our disappointment. I know we have to remember the feeling we had after the final and we have to do everything to win tomorrow so I can be happy and go on vacation as a happy man.”

Andreas Wolff (GER) – goalkeeper

On Magdeburg, Kielce’s opponent in the final:

"In my opinion, we will face the most dangerous team tomorrow. How they have played today is amazing, and the character they showed over the last two years is incredible. They have progressed to the final without key players and they beat Barça, a team that won the trophy twice. They are incredibly strong. We are at the same level as we were last year and now we want to go a step further.”

On his last two saves:

"I had hoped we would win the game after the save against Luc. I saw there were 20 seconds left, and I felt I had to remain focused. Tomasz Gebala helped me and blocked the ball a little but, against Prandi, an amazing shooter and that helped me a little bit. I remembered immediately that there is a final tomorrow and that we have not won anything yet.”

Igor Karacic (CRO) - centre back 

On qualifying for the final:

"It was so close in the end. I am so pleased with the match. We missed a lot of chances, but in the end we managed to secure our spot in the final. I’m happy with the results, but the job is not done yet."

On facing Magdeburg in the final:

"It is not a surprise that they made it, it’s the FINAL4. They are a very good team and have done a great job this season."

"It’s going to be really special to have both of our fans cheering for us tomorrow in the final.”

Nicolas Tournat (FRA) - line player

On playing Magdeburg tomorrow:

"They played their top game today, and we need to be careful with them tomorrow because it’s the FINAL4 and anything can happen. We’ll see after 60 minutes."

Semi-final 1 SC Magdeburg (GER) vs Barça (ESP) 40:39 after shootout (38:38, 31:31, 16:18)

SC MAGDEBURG (GER)

Bennett Wiegert (GER) — coach

On his feeling:

“I am tired but we are also happy to win against Barça. At the moment, I am really tired. We were really close to them in our performance, the last minutes of the first half and we lost our system, Emil had good saves. The second time the momentum switched to us thanks to Nikola and his saves. In my opinion, we didn’t need the extra time but never mind. Despite Gisli’s injury, we managed to remain focused. We lost the penalty shootout in the German cup here, and I think the experience was beneficial for this. Really excited for tomorrow, to be in the final.”

Magnus Saugstrup (DEN) - line player

On his experience of a Champions League final:

"You should ask Nikola Portner who has more experience than me in the final, as he also played it a couple of years ago. Last time I was here with Aalborg, the situation was different, there were no spectators. We have not so much experience in the team, but that does not matter now. Everybody knows how to react in this situation, the staff, the players, and we need to prepare as good as we can.”

On qualifying for the final:

"It was a crazy 70 minutes, we had to fight for the entire time to win. We were following and were standing closer and closer to Barça. We worked together as a team. I don’t even care if this wasn’t my best game. We are a team."

On Gisli Kristjansson’s injury:

“I hope he is okay. We are 16-17 great players, we are a team and we have to work together to win tomorrow.”

On recovering after extra-time:

“We have to go to the ice baths right now and do whatever we can to make sure we recover so we can fight for the gold medal tomorrow.”

Mike Jensen (DEN) - goalkeeper

On the shootout:

"I like the penalty shootout, it is fun. As a goalie you can just win. There is less pressure than during the game."

Lukas Mertens (GER) - left wing

On the thrilling match:

"I thought I have seen a lot in my career, but today was a completely new experience and right now I cannot tell you what will happen tomorrow. But we are excited and we are ready to play as strong again." 

Phillipp Weber (GER) - left back

On the goalkeepers:

"I have never seen a shootout where three players of one team missed by throwing a bounce ball over the goal. Your goalkeeper has to accomplish that first. And today Mike and Nikola did this amazing job." 

Kay Smits (NED) - right back 

On the penalties:

"It is easy: Barcelona didn't make three goals, we made three. Right now there are just too many thoughts in my head."  

Barça (ESP)

Antonio Carlos Ortega (ESP) — coach

On Barça losing the momentum in the second half:

“I think we lost a couple of balls, they made a couple of easy goals including ones in the empty goal and they came into the match again. They are a difficult team to defend, they play very close to passive play very often, but they play their way very good. Magdeburg use a lot of one against ones, they provoke a lot of fouls. But tonight, they managed to find solutions each time. We tried to change our defence, it was OK for a bit, but we lost our way again. Last season we won thanks to the penalties, today we lost, this is sports I guess.

Gonzalo Perez de Vargas (ESP) – goalkeeper

On the fact that Magdeburg also had beaten Barça twice recently:

“When you haven’t played a team after two losses, you want to beat them, of course. We wanted to be in the final, we knew their strengths and their weaknesses. We watched them play a lot. The fact we lost twice against them was more motivation than something that was playing in our heads. They are a strong team, they played the way they wanted to play and that it why they are in the final. I’m proud of the way we fought during the game and the whole season.”

Dika Mem (FRA) - right back

On the reason they lost the semi-final:

“During the game, we missed a lot of shots, which shouldn’t happen. In the end, we finished with penalties.”

“Maybe they wanted it more, but we were also hungry. This is the FINAL4, you lose one game and that’s that, you are done.”

On playing the 3rd place match tomorrow:

“We need to rest tonight and try to win tomorrow. We need to work harder and come back again next year. We will fight and do our best to finish the season with a win tomorrow.”

Friday 16 June 2023

Quotes from the TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4 2023 media call in Cologne ahead of the semi-finals on Saturday

Barça (ESP)

Ludovic Fabregas (FRA) — line player

On being back in Cologne:

"It’s always a pleasure to be there, it kind of means that you have had a good season, right? It’s very satisfying to be in a position to battle for the title. But we know that the regular season is completely different to the FINAL4, this is a tournament in itself and everything can happen.”

On being able to win a third title in a row:

"We know that we are able to write history but, in the meantime, it means that we are completely favourites in everyone’s eyes. Other teams are waiting for us, but we showed in the previous seasons that we could handle being favourites.”

On playing SC Magdeburg in the semi-final:

"Sure, they beat us twice in the last two seasons, but this is not a trap. We just have to be extra focused when we enter the court. Magdeburg might be coming back in the Champions League this season, but they showed they were a very high-level team. We expect a very tough semi-final, we know that we will have to earn our final ticket.”

Blaz Janc (SLO) - right wing

On returning to Cologne:

"We’re happy to be back, it’s always nice to be here. Of course, every team wants to be here. We are lucky to have the chance to return to Cologne this year. We know what to do tomorrow, and the semi-final is the first step in reaching our goal."

"It’s a bit different for us than last year. Carlos was new and you need strong connections between the players and the coach. This year we know exactly what Carlos wants and we are even stronger."

On Barça being the favourite:

"Everyone thinks that it’s all easy for us. But we work hard and we don’t know how to lose. We are prepared to show our best performance tomorrow. At the Final4, there is no favourite, we all have the same chance. If people think we are the favourite, that’s great, but we lost two times to Magdeburg, so we are even more motivated. The semi-final is the most important match for us."

Dika Mem (FRA) - right back

On returning to Cologne:

"The EHF FINAL4 is a special moment with a great atmosphere. It’s a historic event, winning is everything, but we have to go step-by-step and focus on tomorrow. The team did a great job this season and we are trying to go for another CL win."

"It’s all about the team, not about me winning top scorer or anything. The best thing we can have is another CL title."

On Barça being the favourite:

"We lost against Magdeburg, it is still on all our minds. But the EHF FINAL4 is not about previous games, it is a special event and we all have a new chance. Of course, they can win against us tomorrow, but we will do everything we can to win."

Hampus Wanne (SWE) - left wing

On atmosphere at the EHF FINAL4 nine years ago:

"2014 was my first EHF FINAL4 win. I can remember I was sitting on the bench next to the field and thought 'This arena is big'. I was 20 then so I did not right understand what it means. I am older now and I would love to experience it again this weekend."

On what makes Barça special:

"In Barcelona it is important to become a team, even outside of the arena. But also the skills of the players. You need to train 100% because otherwise other teammates will become better than you."

On Magdeburg as underdogs:

"It will be a tough game against Magdeburg. They have been playing really good those last few years so we will not underestimate them. They play aggressive so we just need to find a way to play our own game against them."

Gonzalo Perez de Vargas (ESP) - goalkeeper

On Barça's chance to win the third title in a row:

"We have won this tournament before. This makes you realise how hard it is to win it again. That is a tough lesson."

Barlinek Industria Kielce (POL)

Talant Dujshebaev (ESP) - coach

On qualifying for the TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4 2023 after a difficult season:

"I’m really happy and proud that the players managed to do it. It has a special taste after what we went through, that is for sure. I have tried to protect my players, as I have a little bit of experience with these situations, like I had in Santander or Ciudad Real for example.”

On the semi-final against Paris: 

"It’s going to be a 50-50 game, really tough one. I don’t know what the key factors will be, but I don’t expect a ten-goal difference at the end of the game. These are two great teams with great players, players with a lot of experience as well, so it’s going to be really tight.”

On playing against his friend Raul Gonzalez:

"We are very good friends, Raul is like my brother, one of the closest people I have in handball. We speak a lot, we go on holidays together, but tomorrow, for me it will be a normal match, like one I would play against anyone else. The good news is, one of us two will go to the final.”

On Kielce having two former Paris players in their squad:

"We used to have three, remember! Both are really good persons with a positive attitude. Their energy is something good for the team. Dylan has been here for one more year than Benoit, you could say his adaptation has been completed now. Both of them are  amazing players and I’m sure they will be able to put their emotions aside tomorrow during the game.”

Alex Dujshebaev (ESP) - right back

On facing PSG in the semi-final:

"There are no favourites in this game. PSG have had a great season, they have already won the French League. They are playing a bit different than before, but they’re fantastic. Defence will be an important aspect, but it will come down to who is stronger mentally. We will have to make the right choices on the field for the entire 60 minutes. We’re here to win, our goal is the same as last year. I expect the semi-final game to be really difficult."

Nicolas Tournat (FRA) - line player

On the semi-final game:

"There are no surprises, we have played against them a lot. Paris is really strong and they are very effective in defence. We are prepared both physically and mentally. It has been a difficult season for us, but we managed to find our way and we are here to win. The FINAL4 is complicated for everyone, but we are stronger together. It will be difficult against PSG for the entire game, but it’s sport. We are here to fight and to achieve our goal of becoming the champions.”

Andreas Wolff (GER) - goalkeeper

On the performance 2022:

"I said last year that we will come back next year. Here we are and this year we will be better and hopefully come home with the trophy. For many players last years tournament was their first Final4, so this year we have the routine to actually win it."

On the final:

"We hope to win against PSG. And as a German league fan I would love to play Magdeburg in the finale. Possibly we would have a small disadvantage because of the fans but even then we would look forward to a great match." 

Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA)

Raul Gonzalez (ESP) — coach

On the semi-final against Kielce:

"I have been here many times before, and I know it’s useless to make predictions. Anything can happen here in Cologne, as the FINAL4 is completely different from the rest of the season. I’m confident we can do something good, but we’ll first try to enjoy the moment and then see what happens.”

Luc Steins (NED) — centre back

On Paris' season:

"It took a little bit of time for us to learn to play with each other, but we have shown in the last days that we are all really confident with each other. I feel like we are playing better and better with every game. The end of the season has been a great one, we won a title already and I hope we can translate our confidence onto the court this weekend.”

On PSG Handball being able to be the first PSG to win the Champions League :

"That would be cool. Of course, we were all supporting our football clubmates, but sadly things did not work out for them. It would be a huge honour if we managed to become the first PSG team, in all sections, to win the Champions League."

On how he feels before the semi-final against Kielce:

"I don’t feel too much stress right now, we are still preparing the game. I try to think that this is a game just like any other, despite of what is at stake. For sure, we are in Cologne, this is a bit special. But we all have to focus on what we must do individually. If we all do that, and I know we can as we have got amazing players, I’m sure we will have a chance to do something great.”

On him and Kay Smits being the only two Dutch players at the FINAL4:

“It’s really special that we’re both here and we talked about it yesterday. It shows that Dutch handball is making progress. I hope I’m the first Dutch player to win the Champions League, but I’d be delighted if Kay and I could meet for the final on Sunday.”

Luka Karabatic (FRA) — line player

On being part of the FINAL4 for the sixth time:

"It’s as exciting as it was the first time around, and I am as motivated as ever. You always want to win the trophy when are in Cologne, but in the meantime, we all know how hard it is also. We now have a little bit of collective experience and hopefully this can help us winning the trophy this time.”

On having ten French players in Cologne this season:

"There are even 11 if you count Nikola that is not playing. It shows how healthy French handball is. There are players in every team but Magdeburg. I hope one of us wins the trophy but of course, I’d rather it to be me!"

Andreas Palicka (SWE) - goalkeeper

On the pressure at the TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4:

"It is not more pressure then usually. We chose PSG so we have to deal with it. The title is the goal. I am feeling comfortable in Paris and I know I can do my best in those specific moments."

On the atmosphere in Cologne:

"I had my best career moments here in Cologne. The two EHF FINAL4 titles 2010 and 2012 in this arena and especially the audience make the whole atmosphere special. It is an incredible experience for us players."

SC Magdeburg (GER)

Magnus Saugstrup (DEN) – line player

On his first EHF FINAL4 in 2021 with Aalborg:

“I expect this time to be completely different as there were no spectators back then. I have been here a couple of times already as a spectator and it really is an amazing atmosphere. I don’t know whether people will be cheering for us or not, but I am looking forward to it no matter what.”

On the fact SCM are the only team that has beaten Barça twice in the last two seasons: 

“It is a great feeling but in the meantime, that does not mean much. That might give us a boost of confidence but I am sure Barça worked extra hard to know exactly how to beat us, as they don’t want to lose three times in a row against us. We saw on video what could be their weak points, but it is one thing to see it on the screen and one other to be able to do it on the court. I think it will still be a 50-50 game.”

Bennett Wiegert (GER) — coach

On facing Barca on Saturday:

"It will be a difficult game, Carlos Ortega has done a great job with the team. We are happy to be here and it is a big chance for us to show our best faces and just go for it. The Final4 is the biggest event in European handball and it is a pleasure for us to be here."

On the team:

“Most of our injured players are back and the team is ready to give their best performance.”

Kay Smits (NED) - right back

On facing Barca on Saturday:

“Barca has been really strong for a long time, but at the Final4 there are no favourites. We have faced them previously, but prior games don’t mean much at the Final4, we all have a chance. Every day is different and we are looking forward to reach out highest level of playing this season.”

On losing the German title:

“The result didn’t change anything, we would still be here, ready to win the EHF FINAL4.”

On what message he has for the Magdeburg fans:

“We are proud to be here and we expect to have more fans in the arena than the other teams. We expect a big handball weekend that they can enjoy and celebrate together on Sunday.”