Laen: Great Memories of Madrid

This is a special week for Torsten Laen in the VELUX EHF Champions League.

First, the Danish pivot played for Füchse Berlin against Bjerringbro-Silkeborg in his home country. Now the 31-year-old is preparing for Sunday’s clash with Atletico Madrid, the club whom he played for from 2007-09 when they were named BM Ciudad Real.

ehfCL.com: How did it feel to be playing in Denmark again?
Torsten Laen: When I was with Ciudad Real I once played in Denmark, against my old club GOG. My old coach at GOG, Carsten Albrekstsen, is now here in Bjerringbro-Silkeborg. It was very emotional for me, and I'm glad that we won and I played well. But I don`t want to celebrate too much because Bjerringbro have now lost their first three games are will find it difficult to reach the Last 16.

ehfCL.com: After the first three rounds of the VELUX EHF Champions League, are Füchse Berlin satisfied with their five points?
Torsten Laen: We are particularly satisfied with the three away points – they are very valuable, and we are on the right track. We have made a great start but there is still much hard work ahead of us.

ehfCL.com: What aim do you have with Füchse Berlin in the VELUX EHF Champions League?
Torsten Laen: The main thing is that we get through to the Last 16. We also hope to avoid injuries, because we want to win as many points in the Bundesliga.

ehfCL.com: Did you enjoy your two years at Ciudad Real?
Torsten Laen: It was simply excellent. I came from a small club in Denmark and had the pleasure of playing with the best of the best. I was twice Spanish champion and twice winner in the Champions League - something I'll never acheive again. It was a super time, even off the court.

ehfCL.com: How do you feel about the change from Ciudad Real to Atletico Madrid?
Torsten Laen: It´s a pity that there is no great handball in Ciudad Real more. Thank God for the Spanish as well as for the European Handball that the project can continue into a new form and in another place.

ehfCL.com: Atletico Madrid is the favorite to win Group B. How do you rate your chances against them?
Torsten Laen: In a sold-out Max Schmeling-Halle anything is possible. In recent months Kiel and Hamburg have both lost in Berlin, but Madrid is a very special opponent. We must prepare a 5-1 defence, which is unusual in Germany. But we’re playing Gummersbach on Wednesday, which only gives us three days of preparation.