Dibirov: 'We never have an easy time in Zagreb!'

Dibirov

Fans in Sutinska vrela sports hall will on Tuesday (17.30 CET) witness the repeat of last season's SEHA - Gazprom League final with PPD Zagreb hosting reigning champions Vardar Skopje. Rough Champions League weekend is behind both teams as they both suffered losses with PPD Zagreb falling eight goals short in Zaporozhye (35:27) and Vardar taking their first loss of the season in Kielce (31:27). Neither team will clearly have quite enough time to fully recover from what's behind them but despite of that it is clear we're definitely up to a great one as matches between these two rivals never disappoint which is exactly why this encounter was given the 'derby of the round' title. Last year Macedonians were in the regular season better twice – plus seven in Skopje and narrow plus one in Zagreb. In Final 4 final 'Red&Black' have with 26:24 taken their fourth regional league title. 

Lino Cervar, PPD Zagreb coach

It's clear they are favorites in this one but we'll try to stun them. It is never easy to recover after a tough defeat but we must look to learn something each time it happens. It is important to fight, take responsibility and learn not to repeat mistakes. 

Josip Božić Pavletić, PPD Zagreb player

It won't be easy beacuse we won't be able to fully recover. We're arriving on Monday evening and we're already playing a match on Tuesday but we're both in the same situation. Goal is of course to give our best against a team which will be motivated to prove its worth and keep the perfect SEHA score. However, we'll look to redeem ourselves after a poor Champions League outing and look to surprise them. 

Roberto Parrondo, Vardar coach

We'll play Zagreb only two days after the match in Kielce which means we definitely won't be able to fully recover from that one. Zagreb are also competing in CL where they've already displayed some solid outings this season. They have a good mix of experienced players and youngsters and it won't be easy to play them, especially away from home. They play several different defenses and like to attack without a goalkeeper so we'll have to play our best in order to achieve a good result on Tuesday.  

Timur Dibirov, Vardar player

We never have an easy time in Zagreb. Even last season when we were dominating we managed to win by one goal in what was a very interesting match and I expect nothing less this time. The fact they managed to defeat Flensburg and take a point in Skjern says enough and they are even more dangerous at home. It won't be easy but we'll look to win the match and for that we'll need a good performance and a little luck.