Getting used to the CL

At first two defeats, then two victories: the latest success was by 11 goals (34-23) at home against Podravka.

Things have changed for Norway’s second best team, Byåsen HE, in Group A. Eurohandball.com talked to head coach Geir Oustorp.

Eurohandball.com: How do you explain your comfortable win against Podravka. Don’t forget they have defeated Viborg a week earlier…

Geir Oustorp: We simply played a perfect match in defence and our goalkeeper did a fantastic job. We were very good at fast breaks based on our solid defence and goalkeeper. In such situations things can go really fast in handball.

Eurohandball.com: We saw a big change in your team since the 26-21 opening defeat from Viborg. What’s happened?

Geir Oustorp: We managed to adjust our way of playing to the Champions League! We missed three seasons from the Champions League and this is very different from the Norwegian league. Also, our first match against Viborg was our only poor performance so far. At the away match against Podravka, we played really well in spite of losing by one goal. We also did well against Leipzig and now at home against Podravka.

Eurohandball.com: Four points from four matches: you need to win one more from the two remaining away games against Viborg and Leipzig. How do see your chances?

Geir Oustorp. I believe that the one in Leipzig will be the key match. I don’t expect points against Viborg. Of course, we will do our best, but I expect Viborg to be a really tough challenge. We may have to rely on the Leipzig match and on the favourable direct encounters against Podravka.

Eurohandball.com: Not only your own group is equal. Actually all groups are balanced with only two rounds left remaining. Are you surprised by the Champions League so equal this season?

Geir Oustorp: Actually, the only thing really surprises me is that Viborg already lost three points. I never expected that. When it comes to the other groups, I’m not really surprised by seeing equal forces as many clubs had financial problems over the summer. That forced many players move around and this reduced the difference between the teams.