Ryde: We Only Have 30% Chance

While several Viborg players talked with optimism to Eurohandball.com in spite of a 32-32 draw at home against Lada Togliatti, the coach is considerably less optimistic before the trip to Russia.

“I think that we only have 30% chance to go on at the moment,” coach Tomas Ryde said.

“On the other hand, it may be reason for some optimism that we levelled a seven goal difference at the first game. The task will still be very difficult for us in front of 3000-4000 spectators – though Lada’s supporters are extremely fair,” Viborg’s Swedish coach added.

Key players recovered

Ryde might also have added that all three key players weakened by flue a week ago have completely recovered in the meantime.

Grit Jurack played a fantastic match in spite of her illness, but Rikke Skov and Heidi Astrup were far from their usual level. With these two back in form, it may be a completely different Viborg to enter the court in Togliatti on Sunday.

Rikke Skov was still weak after her illness on Wednesday night when Viborg played their last match in the Danish league. Viborg have beaten SK Aarhus away by 30-21 that meant Viborg ending the first phase of the championship in second position after Slagelse. The playoffs start next weekend.