Gorenje and NEXE looking for the first triumph of the season
Gorenje Velenje in NEXE v želji po prvi zmagi te sezone
Gorenje and NEXE are looking for a first success in SEHA Gazprom new season in direct encounter on Sunday (18.00 CET). Clash of vice-champions of Slovenia and Croatia at "Rdeca dvorana" in Velenje will be a nice chance for both team to get back on the winning track after defeats in openers against best teams of their countries - Celje Pivovarna Lasko and PPD Zagreb.
Domestic team needs a victory after stressful start of the season in which they were not able to catch CL group phase through qualification tournament in Presov and after that lost to Celje at home with 26:27. Sibila boys also lost national derby against Celje 26:27. On the other side NEXE was once again not able to surprise PPD Zagreb losing with 28:22.
Marko Sibila, Gorenje Velenje’s coach:
We are expecting a team which has been a part of the League from its beginning. We respect that, but anyway we wish to win and get first SEHA point of the season. Team from Našice is composed of many experienced players, there are also Slovenian legionnaires Špiler and Lorger, so this will be very interesting and quality game. All the players are healthy and ready to fight. I am sure that we will raise the form match to match and that we will show our quality and keep points at home.
Anze Ratajec, Gorenje Velenje’s player:
Matches are coming one after another and we are already expecting a new fight in our "Rdeca dvorana", this time against Nexe Nasice. They showed good defense and some really nice actions in opener against Zagreb, so I think that on Sunday it won't be easy job for us, but as usual, we are preparing according to our schedule. We have to continue on our defined path and results will come along.
Zdenko Kordi, NEXE’s coach:
Rhythm is not easy here in the beginning of the season but we have to cope with that. SEHA has 7 teams in Champions League but I think Gorenje are also good enough to play in the CL. They are a really good club and this year they have even reinforced a lot with Mitrovic, Brumen and Toskic and it won’t be easy. They play modern handball, fast-flowing, quite specific and it will be very hard. However, we’ll do everything to prepare in the best possible way.
Gregor Lorger, NEXE’s goalkeeper:
They are wounded a bit at the moment and I believe that will only provide them with additional confidence boost and motivation. We must reduce technical mistakes which might in the end prove to be crucial for the victory.