In almost every match Viborg HK plays, Danish national team pivot Lene Lund Nielsen is an extremely important player - in the defence as well as in the attack. The first leg of the Champions League finals, where Viborg won 24:22 away over Krim...

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In almost every match Viborg HK plays, Danish national team pivot Lene Lund Nielsen is an extremely important player - in the defence as well as in the attack.

The first leg of the Champions League finals, where Viborg won 24:22 away over Krim Ljubljana, was no exception to that rule. Lene Lund Nielsen was fighting all she could - and most of the time with success - at both ends of the court.

Eurohandball.com talked to the 26 year old Viborg profile about the first match - and her expectations before the second leg.

Eurohandball.com: How did you see the first match?

Lene Lund Nielsen: I think it was a very physical and intense match, played in an atmosphere that not all Viborg players were used to. The crowd really managed to make a lot of noise in order to put pressure on us; and that was the reason why we got a nervous start and got behind 5:1.

However, I think we gained control over our nerves pretty fast, and after that I think we actually controlled the game. As a matter of fact, I was a little disappointed over Krim and over some of their back-court players, in particular.

Eurohandball.com: How do you consider your chances of taking the trophy now - usually a two goal lead after an away match is considered an enormous advantage?

Lene Lund Nielsen: Nothing is decided yet. These finals take two times 60 minutes, and we only have the first 60 minutes behind us. Furthermore, we know that Krim can play much better, than they did in the first match - and that they nearly always play well in away matches!

Eurohandball.com: During most of this season you have pretty much been on your own on the line in Viborg HK, as Dutch national team pivot Olga Assink has been out with an injury for a long time. In what ways has being the only pivot in the team influenced you?

Lene Lund Nielsen: It has meant that I have been integrated in the team much faster than I think I would have been otherwise - on as well as off the court. It has really developed me a lot. Now, however, I am beginning to feel a little tired. It has been a long season, where I also played at the World Championship - which was my first major tournament ever. So, I am looking forward to a little vacation after the Saturday match, when we have hopefully won the Champions League trophy!

Eurohandball.com: This is your first season with Viborg after having joined the club from GOG Svendborg TGI. What were your reasons for going to Viborg?

Lene Lund Nielsen: Simply to play finals like these! To be in the race for the Danish championship and to play in the Champions League - and hopefully to reach a final or two. I realised that a club such as Viborg was the place to go, if those dreams should come true.

Eurohandball.com: When you joined Viborg last summer, did you imagine that you would be winning the Danish championship and playing Champions League finals in your first season there?

Lene Lund Nielsen: Not in my wildest dreams! I signed a three year contract with Viborg, hoping that sometime during those three years it would be possible to win the championship, and maybe also to qualify for a Champions League final, but I definitely did not expect those dreams to come true this soon already!


Interview: Peter Bruun