Title holders host PSG; semi-final rematch as 2025/26 season starts
After a two-month break, the Machineseeker EHF Champions League is about to throw off again, with some exciting clashes already on the menu.
We are excited about the Champions League being back. And to meet such a strong opponent, it is really game on from the very first second. We want to end in the two top spots, and these can already be some crucial points. We are at home and have had the upper hand the last time we met, but we also know that Veszprém are a really strong team.
The first match is always special, simply because it’s the first — but at the same time, it’s difficult for everyone. I believe it’s not about how we start, but how we finish. This group will be extremely tough for every team. I don’t think any team can win all their matches — that would be impossible, because every week brings a tough opponent, and winning away is never easy. For now, the most important thing is to focus only on this first game. It’s not decisive, but it will surely be a tough one. If we manage to win, it will be a huge boost for our confidence.
I’m happy because we will play against Sporting. We had almost 10 days to prepare for this game and we want to do our best. We expect to have a lot of fans that will encourage us and will create an incredible atmosphere in the Dinamo Hall.
We know that winning any game is difficult enough on its own. It will be equally difficult at home, but away is a different matter, much more difficult at a stadium like Dinamo. I should also point out that, for the first time in history, two Portuguese coaches facing each other in the first round is a remarkable moment.
In Nantes' first two league matches, we can see that little has changed in terms of their system and structure. We are well prepared for the match. Minne will be a challenge and Briet is an X-factor, both offensively and defensively. It will be a question of emotions. We don't need to make many adjustments with the ball, but we do need to make more defensively.
We are satisfied because we haven’t had such a good pre-season in the past two years. There will always be small issues, like the uncertain participation of Theo Monar or Benoit Kounkoud on Thursday, but we are still well prepared — both mentally and physically. Kolstad are an experienced team, built to fight for the EHF FINAL4. They signed Andreas Palicka, and that’s a guarantee of quality. Scandinavian teams are built by top-tier players.
We are very excited to start this Machineseeker EHF Champions League season against Kielce. We all know it’s one of the toughest away matches in Europe, but we will be ready and, hopefully ,we will get points with us back to Trondheim.
Paris have a lot of individual quality, just like you know it from the last seasons. Stefan Madsen is joining them in the Champions League for the first time, but we know each other very well and have known each other for a long time through his previous positions. Nevertheless, there are always things you don't expect. We studied a lot of video footage to get the best possible start to the competition and are looking forward to our match in GETEC arena with a lot of spectators and a great atmosphere — like we always do.
Of course, playing against Magdeburg is special for me after so many years there, but what matters most now is starting our Champions League campaign with a victory. We know it will be difficult against the reigning champions, but we believe in our qualities and we are determined to begin strongly.
Zagreb is a competitive team, they play great defence, especially in the middle. We need to impose our game and play like we played in the preparation period.
I am ready for the atmosphere in Bitola. Everyone has been telling me since I arrived and I want them to enjoy our game.
My former club, Plock, have a very special place in my heart because it was my first time playing abroad. I learned a lot, and gained experience in how to play at a high level. Things are different now, I am fighting for the success of my current club, Szeged. I would say we have to trust in our strengths before the first match of the upcoming Champions League season. It’s important to stay humble throughout, play in a very concentrated way, because our opponent is well-experienced. We are starting the season with serious goals, so everyone knows how important a successful start is.
Szeged are a team that have seen only one personnel change before this season. It is a team with a real chance of advancing to the EHF FINAL4. We have an extremely challenging match ahead of us, but our goal is to take a step forward this season. As always, we have only one thing on our minds and that is victory.
We are really excited to compete in the Champions League. It is the biggest stage in European handball and a fantastic opportunity for our young team to grow. Playing against Barça on their home court is always a huge challenge, but we aim to test ourselves and approach the game with confidence in our own strengths.
