Strong support by the "eighth player"

After three rounds, Polish champion Vive Targi Kielce is still awaiting its first point in VELUX EHF Men’s Champions League. But coach Bogdan Wenta does not feel under pressure before the home match against Rhein Neckar Löwen on Sunday – the ehftv.com Match of the Week with English live commentary by Tom O’Brannagain. In an interview with efhCL.com Wenta speaks about the prospect of playing against three players from Poland and the great atmosphere in the arena of Kielce.

ehfCL.com: Your team lost the first three matches of the VELUX EHF Men’s Champions League. How great is the pressure on your team?

Bogdan Wenta: I don’t think about pressure on my team. We’re playing in the strongest group in this top competition. We must remember that we still have a lot of work to do if we are to reach the top European top teams of the VELUX EHF Men’s Champions League. In the future we want to be among the eight best teams in Europe with Vive Targi Kielce.

ehfCL.com: How do you rate your chances of beating Rhein Neckar Löwen?

Bogdan Wenta: I think we have a real chance to win. The match in Kiel showed that we have a good potential. We played against Rhein Neckar in last season’s EHF Champions League and those matches were tremendous. Of course I have a lot respect for Rhein Neckar Löwen.

ehfCL.com: Kielce played well in Kiel – what positive aspects do you take to the Löwen match?

Bogdan Wenta: I guess that my players don’t think about the game, but their performance. Everything is on their minds. As I said, we have big potential, but we have to work hard to play better than in the two first matches.

ehfCL.com: Is it a very special situation for you as Polish national coach to have opponents like Bielecki and Szmal at club level?

Bogdan Wenta: Yes, but on the field we will be opponents. Everyday we are friends, but on Sunday, when we are on-court in the Legionów Hall, we will represent two different worlds. Bielecki, Szmal and Tkaczyk represent their club. My players represent Vive Targi Kielce. We have to be proud that we are in Poland and playing for a club with history, with potential, and with many, many great fans.

ehfCL.com: What facts will be the key to beating Löwen?

Bogdan Wenta: Everything will become clear on Sunday. Rhein Neckar Löwen has changed its squad since last season. It has contracted players like Ivan Cupić, who is one of the key figures in the team now. We have to start optimistically with the feeling that we can win thanks to our potential. We have to think about playing and we’ll go into this match with great respect for our rival.

ehfCL.com: How important are the spectators for your performance?

Bogdan Wenta: Our spectators are our “eighth player.” We can always count on their support in our hall. Tickets for this match were sold out many days ago. I think that everyone in both teams will enjoy this match, the spectacle, and the fight for points. The Legionów Hall will be full on Sunday. On home ground we are stronger, because we have more than 4000 spectators behind us. They believe in us and are proud to wear our club colours. It’s a big asset for us!