Alkaloid return to EHF European Cup — Kiril Lazarov: "It's always a pleasure to play in Europe"
After a year away Alkaloid host Austria’s Ferlach in Skopje’s Autokomanda arena tonight at 19:00; Lazarov demands full focus and respect for the opponents.
Alkaloid return to the EHF European Cup tonight after a one-year absence, with Kiril Lazarov urging his side to treat every match with full commitment. The winner of the tie will progress in the knockout competition; Alkaloid host Austria’s Ferlach in Skopje’s Autokomanda arena with a 19:00 start.
Match focus and respect for the opponent
“Winning the European title with a domestic roster, for a young club like Alkaloid, was a great achievement. We are looking forward to the new challenge and we will have a maximal approach to every match. I will demand that from the players as well. It's always a pleasure to play in Europe, and international official club matches bring additional quality to the team and special motivation,” says Kiril Lazarov.
Lazarov stressed that Ferlach should be treated with care: “The opponent comes from a country whose national team is on the rise. They have experienced players with a quality past. They are well drilled and have a good handball system. We must have maximum respect for Ferlach. Since this is a knockout match, we must be maximally focused and disciplined for all 60 minutes. I expect a tough match with a lot of running and nice plays.
“We need international matches to raise our competitive form. Last season we lacked precisely this type of matches. After the league game with Struga from the domestic championship, we had two days to prepare well for this duel,” Lazarov added.
In a separate European fixture today, Butel Skopje play their first match on the continental stage as they travel to face Gorica. Stojanche Stoilov’s squad completed their final training session yesterday and kick off in Croatia at 18:00.
Photo: press material from the event
