Kolding´s ”Mr. CL” ready for another round

After 12 years with KIF Kolding, left winger Boris Schnuchel is playing his seventh Champions League season. The 34-year old former Danish international has never played in the Palau Blaugrana of Barcelona before. Saturday in the late afternoon hours, he will get the chance as Kolding will meet FC Barcelona Borges in the third round of the group stage.

Eurohandball.com: How do you imagin the game in the Palau Blaugrana?

Boris Schnuchel: I'm sure it will be a great experience – for us all. However, it is important that we are not too much impressed by the surroundings or by the opponent. Of course, Barcelona are great team, but we shouldn't be afraid of them.

Eurohandball.com: At the age of 34, you are still one of the fastest players in the world. What is your secret?

Boris Schnuchel: I was always fast, although I may not be as fast as before. This season, however, I managed to avoid injuries. Our Spanish physical coach, Jose Luis Hernandez, means a lot in that respect. His trainings are fantastic – handball related and at the same time focusing on injury prevention.

Eurohandball.com: Your team will be missing the injured pivot René Toft Hansen, while there is doubt about backcourt player and defender Anders Oechsler. He may be out with a flu.

Boris Schnuchel: Obviously, being the absence of Toft will be a serious handicap. I hope Anders will be okay for the game and able to train with us before we fly to Barcelona. He will mean a lot for our team in defence and attack as well.

Eurohandball.com: In your team you have one of the players who has played most Champions League matches at all, and many of them with exactly Barcelona – Mateo Garralda. What will he mean to the team Saturday?

Boris Schnuchel: He means a lot, with his enormous experience form this type of game in particular. He will be especially important to our defence, and I am looking forward to seeing his defensive game at an international level again, where a bit more physical contact is allowed than in the Danish league!

Eurohandball.com: Many Danish supporters are reported to be travelling to Barcelona for the match, partly as it is the autumn holiday in Danish schools this week. How important will their support be?

Boris Schuchel: I think it is fantastic that so many of our fans seem to be willing to travel that far to support us, and it will sure mean a lot to us to know that we are not alone down there!