Chance for Meshkov to get back on the right track against Nexe

Meshkov Brest - Nexe

Win against Nexe at home in a match scheduled for Tuesday (17.15 CET) is the only option for Belarusian champions in case they wish to stay in race for Final Four spots in SEHA - Gazprom League. With 2-2 score Meshkov are currently positioned sixth on League’s table and it is clear their form must improve in order to achieve better results and make some progress. By that, they are entering the match after two Champions League defeats in a row and it is clear match against Nexe will be a perfect opportunity for Bebeshko and his players to get things to function in a better way as they clearly are a team of high ambitions eager to beat any opponent they face.

Croatian vice-champions are on the other side well aware of the situation in Brest - they know Meshkov will give everything to beat them. After a draw against Gorenje they are traveling to Belarus with underdog role but it is well-known they are a team which knows how to take advantage of such situations and achieve a good result without any pressure on their shoulders. 

Sergey Bebeshko, Meshkov coach:
This is not one of those weaker opponents you face throughout the season. They grabbed four points in previous three SEHA encounters. The team is young and quite new, they play good, fast handball and their defense can be rather aggressive. We must be fully focused. Our roster will remain almost the same as in the match against Veszprem, we might only substitute two or three players which is only due to the fact that some players need a bit more time for recovery and in order to heal some injuries.

Rajko Prodanovic, Meshkov player:
In last two matches we failed to achieve the result we aimed for. This is why we’d like to bring joy to our fans in our home arena with both the result and our performance. Certainly, in terms of skills and roster itself, we are above the Croatian club. However, this is pure theory. Our superiority needs to find its proof in reality once we step up on the court to win.

Hrvoje Horvat, Nexe coach:
Meshkov is an exceptionally strong team, one of the best in both SEHA - Gazprom League and EHF Champions League. We will put in extra effort, use all the good things from our previous match against Gorenje in order to achieve a good result now in Brest. By all that we’ll also have to improve in defense as the match will require maximum focus and higher level of aggression. I expect us to start playing better, we need to help each other, limit their goals, fast transition and counter attacks. We have certain problems with injuries and we will see how the situation develops all the way until the first whistle.

Ivan Srsen, Nexe player:
Meshkov have never been stronger. We’ve played each other many times so far but this will, without doubt, be the biggest challenge for us. We’ll face an opponent which can play tough on both sides of the court. They are a very good, experienced team and we must remain careful and focused until the end. Player I’d maybe highlight in their roster is probably Petar Djordjic who has a lot of Bundesliga experience.