27 January 2009
Director of Krim Mercator and Slovenian handball legend Deja Ivanović is thrilled with Krims results in this season. She expects her team to show good form against Podravka tomorrow.
WRHL.info: Four teams from WRHL in top eight European teams, coincidence or something else?
Deja Ivanović: "It is not coincidence. It is proof of hard work on this territory. In fact when I was on CL's main round draw in Vienna I talked to manager of Hypo Gunnar Prokop about this. We both are thrilled with these great results achieved by WRHL teams. This is one more proof of strength and quality of WRHL."
WRHL.info: Krim has a new and young team and a new coach also. After bad results in the start of season, team improved a lot. Krim is still in the race for first champion of WRHL and also entered main round of CL.
Deja Ivanović: "I am thrilled with our team and with the coach also. Especially with their attitude and their energy. Results show that we are on right track. At the beginning of this season we had a 3-year plan to return on top of Europe again. We knew we need time to do it. But nobody expected so good results already in first season. So entire club is thrilled with everything what was done so far."
WRHL.info: Any news about possible reinforcements?
Deja Ivanović: "Clubs management is working hard on this issue for months now. It is still early to say something officially."
WRHL.info: You have great handball experience. How do you see this generation from your ex-player-perspective? Do day differ or are they similar to your generation who won CL in 2001 and 2003?
Deja Ivanović: "First of all, there is chemistry in this team. There are no individual interests; this is a real team with real team’s spirit. And it is the most important condition for creating results in handball. We have a healthy, competitive environment in which this team can further improve."
WRHL.info: After many injury problems in past seasons and also on start of this season it seems like injuries are past tense. Health situation is improving as form in general. Do you expect all players to be in top form for following decisive matches of WRHL and CL's main round?
Deja Ivanović: "I hope so. We work hard on physical condition and also on injury prevention. We will see tomorrow how good we are in this moment."
WRHL.info: Krim was defeated in Koprivnica 36:27 but since then many things have changed. Both teams improved a lot.
Deja Ivanović: "I expect tough match tomorrow. Podravka did great job in Champions League and showed that they have quality. Anyway we hope to win so we can gain self-confidence before the start of CL's main round."
TEXT: Ivan Ambroš
PHOTO: www.rkkrim-klub.si