One of the most important parts of Tatran Presov's defence is young and ambitious Roman Tsarapkin. This twenty-four years old left back is a well-known SEHA star as he has been a part of our Lague as well as Tatran's squad for four seasons now. There is no doubt, with this ambitious Russian giant in their roster, Slovakian champions have found the perfect answer to other teams' attack. 

 

What are your team's goals for this season? 
Our team goal as well as my personal is to go through in the next phase of the EHF Champions League as well as to qualify to the quarter-finals of the SEHA – Gazprom League.

Tatran Presov and you are a part of the SEHA family for many years. How much did the SEHA League change in your opinion during all these seasons?
In my opinion, today's format of the competition is very interesting and I think the best so far. There are really good teams so the quality is very high. Also, with the play-off system the competition got even more intense. It is great!

Start of the season was very interesting and eventful for Tatran. How do you see the start of the season?
Well, we can not be satisfied with the first matches. We played well against Motor Zaporozhye but ended up losing that match. We bounced back against Nexe but then failed against Bidasoa at home. We need to find consistency and put together a few consecutive wins.

What do you think, which teams are the main candidates for winning the SEHA League these season?
It goes without saying that the Hungarian giants Telekom Veszprem and reigning EHF Champions League winners and SEHA champions Vardar are the biggest favourites. But you never know, there can always be a surprise... Maybe even Tatran.

Next match you will play against Vojvodina. They are a well-known SEHA name, and you have experience playing with them. What do you expect from that match?
I expect only a win. We must do this for us and our amazing fans at home. We lost two important matches on the home court and it is time to show that we are a better team than some may think. But, that will be another tough match because Vojvodina had great start of the new season when they beat Nexe in a great fashion.   

In your opinion, what are the biggest obstacles and challenges that a handball player faces during his career?
I think the hardest and the most important is to stay disciplined. To be an example for community and especially young kids. And to perform for the family, to make them proud. 

How do you feel in Presov? Has it been a long period of adjustment?
Getting used to life in Prešov was not hard. After about six months I knew the language and communicated well with my teammates. Life in Presov is calm and I like it very much. Both me and my wife enjoy our life here. 

How do you spend your free time?
There is not much of it. But without kidding, I like to go for walks to the city or take a trip to High Tatra Mountains. I also like to spend time with my wife.

 

When talking about handball, where do you see yourself in the future?

Well, you never know what tommorrow brings. But at the moment I am a Tatran Presov player and I want to focus on success of my team.