Tamse: ’’Our encounters are always special, with a dose of prestige and now also with F4 weight!’’

Celje PL - PPD Zagreb

One of the most important matches in run for the SEHA Gazpom Final4 will be played on Tuesday in "Zlatorog hall" (18.00 CET) with PPD Zagreb paying Celje PL a visit. Both teams have suffered tough defeats during the CL weekend behind us seeing this encounter as a perfect chance to get back on winning track. Celje PL have two more regular season matches to play hosting PPD Zagreb and Tatran Presov. Two victories would secure them F4 position. PPD Zagreb are on the other side experiencing a small crisis in the beginning of the second part of the season after two defeats in Macedonia which means it’s about right time for Ivandija and his players to catch breath and start playing better in case they wish to compete for regional title this season.

Branko Tamse, Celje Pivovarna Lasko coach:
Tough and very interesting match is ahead of us. This game will be attractive for fans that’s for sure. However, I except a tough battle from both sides which, I’m pretty sure, won't give up until the final whistle. Our encounters are always special, with a dose of prestige and now also with F4 weight! We’re both tired at the moment, tempo is rough especially after the WCh and we’re feeling it. Despite of everything I believe we’ll show quality and go for a positive result for us at the end of this one.

Vid Poteko, Celje Pivovarna Lasko player:
I except a very tough match against Zagreb in battle for SEHA Gazprom Final4 placement. Our big wish is to get our self-confidence back after the bad match in EHF Champions League and before our match in Kielce. Of course, these derbies are always special. We will show fighting spirit, of course, we would like to see our noisy fans, even on Valentine's day to come and support us.

Silvio Ivandija, PPD Zagreb coach:
Tough and intensive match is ahead of us in Celje. Matches of these two teams have always some special meaning. Celje plays quick, modern handball, and we will try to cope with them reaching the best possible result for us at the moment.

Luka Mrakovcic, PPD Zagreb player:
Defeats in Macedonia against Metalurg and Vardar are behind us. We are now focused on match in Celje where victory could bring us closer to SEHA Gazprom final tournament.