Meshkov Brest – Celje PL 28:31 (14:15)

(Horak 5, Shumak 5 / Zlakar 7, Makuc 5; Lesjak 16 saves)

After Celje PL won the third-rank match of the SEHA – Gaprom League Final 4 in Skopje 31:28 (15:14) against Meshkov Brest) on Sunday  night, here are the statements of coaches and players of both sides:

Branko Tamse, Celje PL coach:
It was a good match, we were aware of the fact Meshkov can deliver a solid performance and that we’ll have to be focused and careful from the beginning until the very end of the match. I believe, we played better today than we did on Friday although there still is some room for improvement. We were able to keep the speed high, scoring easy goals and that’s what I want every time we step out there. Domen Makuc played an amazing match despite of the fact he has a knee injury and is only 17 years old, I simply have to highlight that.

Gal Marguc, Celje PL player:
We played well throughout the full match and I believe, in the end, gained a well-deserved win. Domen Makuc played an extraordinary match, he really has a whole lot of potential to become a great player. Of course we’re happy with this win, it’s always better to finish the tournament in a victorious manner. 

Domen Makuc, Celje PL player:
This definitely was no easy tournament but we're happy we've managed to finish it victoriously. It was not easy getting back on the right track after the semi-final loss against Zagreb, but I'm glad we pulled it off. I also have to congratulate the organizers on everything they did to make things function the way they did in the last few days. It was great to be a part of all this.

Igor Anic, Celje PL player:
Third-place matches are never easy to play, but of course it feels good to end the tournament with a win. Domen Makuc played an important role today despite the fact that he is only 17 years young. He is really good already, has great work ethics and a whole lot of potential he'll most certainly develop in the best possible way in case he keeps up the quality work.

Sergey Bebeshko, Meshkov Brest coach:
Our injury situation heavily affected our performance here at the SEHA – Gazprom League Final 4 tournament. The match was really tough, we weren’t able to keep up with their speed, and Celje took a well-deserved win. I believe my team showed fighting spirit and great character, but obviously that wasn’t enough today.

Ljubo Vukic, Meshkov Brest player:
We once again were not able to keep up the high pace and that is why we lost the match in the end despite of playing better than we did on Friday. I cannot say we didn’t prepare well for the match because we knew what their strengths and weaknesses are, but simply we were not able to stick with the rhythm of their younger players like Makuc and Malus. When you get tired, you start losing focus, cause turnovers and make mistakes. This goes into your head at that moment and it's hard to get back into the match.