“Bring it on“

After financial problems and key-players leavings Podravka Vegeta, the Croatian top team are doing much better than expected. Podravka are the only undefeated team in Women's Regional Handball League, with victories against Budućnost and Krim.

One of the reasons of their surprisingly good results is back player Maja Kožnjak. The 24-year already scored 57 goals in Croatian Championship and WRHL, announcing excellent CL season. She was also best player of the match on many occasions this season.

“I am satisfied with these good results. But this is just beginning; I expect much better things in future. We work hard, I feel great and I am ready for coming challenges,“ said Kožnjak.

Podravka will again meet Viborg in group A. Kožnjak showed good performance against CL Winners last year, so she is not afraid:

“Viborg are evidently our destiny; we simply can't do it without them. The group in general looks okay, there are no teams that are much stronger then we are. Viborg is weaker then in last season, but we will see what will happen when the time comes.“

In first round Croatians will travel to Leipzig. They have bad memories from Germany three years ago. In CL season 2006/2007 Leipzig defeated them with margin of 10 goals – 32:22. Home team will have advantage of playing in front of their fans, but for Kožnjak this is not a problem:

“Leipzig team has changed since 2007. I admit, it is not so good that we have to play first match away. It would have been much better to play first match at home. But the most important thing will be not to have black-outs, like we used to have. Leipzig will have great support from their fans. For sure atmosphere there will be excellent and I like to play in front of loud audience. This is additional motivation for me. I say, bring it on."