Brazilian marksman ready to fill the gap in Szeged
Thiagus Petrus has signed with Hungarian runners-up and VELUX EHF Champions League quarter-finalist MOL-Pick Szeged. The 25-year-old Brazilian left back spoke to ehfcl.com after the final of the Hungarian Super Cup.
Thiagus Petrus scored three goals against Veszprem in the Hungarian Super Cup final where MOL-Pick Szeged made the VELUX EHF Champions League finalist work hard for their money before eventually losing the game by only two goals (26:24).
“I am content with my contribution to my first Hungarian derby, and I really enjoyed playing in such a great atmosphere,” commented Thiagus post match.
“We gave Veszprem all we had and made our fans proud by getting close and almost beating our fiercest domestic rival.”
Fed up with silver medals
Thiagus has arrived from Naturhouse La Rioja and found himself in a similar situation as in Logrono: La Rioja is a considerable force on the European stage, but on a domestic level it is something of a pipe dream to even think of beating Barcelona.
Thiagus says he knows how hard it is to compete with Veszprem but came to Szeged to win trophies.
“When negotiations with Szeged began I immediately started to watch their games. Before that I only knew that their arena is one of the hottest ones in Europe. I am proud be part of the team that won the EHF Cup and reached the VELUX EHF Champions League quarter-final in the past two years.”
One of the most important shortcomings of Szeged is firepower. The 1,98 tall left back is not afraid to take on such an enormous responsibility.
“I came here to be an important player. I know what the coach and the fans expect from me and I am ready to meet those high expectations. I am here to win matches and trophies.”
The city of sunshine
Szeged is known in Hungary as the city of sunshine but Thiagus has not seen too much of it since he arrived in Hungary’s third biggest city.
“I rent flat downtown, which is breathtakingly beautiful, but I have not had too much time to take a trip around the city. I can only find my way to the arena for the moment but it will take more time to learn how to get around town.”
“We are training like crazy the only time we don’t spend in the gym is when we travel to friendly games and tournaments. When the championship games begin we will settle into a daily routine and I will have more time to explore the city.”
Personal goals
The 25-year-old left back, who is expected to make his contribution in Pick’s famous defense, moved to Szeged alone. “My girlfriend will stay in Spain. It is hard to be alone in a different country but everybody is very friendly, which makes it easier to settle in.”
Thiagus Petrus is already excited about the forthcoming season as he has a lot to fight for: “I want Szeged to surpass last season’s achievements and I want to be part of writing history with Pick.
"This year is very important for me because I also want to be part of the Brazilian national team as the Olympic games will be held in my home country.”
TEXT:
Bence Martha / bc