Telekom Veszprem have already managed to make a big step towards SEHA – Gazprom League final tournament defeating Vojvodina 26:31 in Novi Sad in the first Quarter final leg. One of the best players of the Hungarian team is Danish national team player Rasmus Lauge Schimdt.

This is Lauge’s first season in Hungary. Before that, 28-year-old playmaker used to play in Denmark for Bjerringbro-Silkeborg as well as for German handball giants - THW Kiel and SG Flensburg-Handewitt. He is also a vital part of Danish national team and our new SEHA 7M interview star.

Telekom Veszprem managed to make a big step towards SEHA final tournament defeating Vojvodina 26:31 in Novi Sad. What do you think about their performance in the first game?
I feel like they have some really interesting players, quality back-shooters and a good right back. He is really physically strong. They are an interesting team and it is not easy to play against them.

What are Veszprem’s goals for the season?
Goal is, of course, to win all the competitions we’re playing in, starting from the national championship. We want to reach Final 4 in both SEHA and Champions League and then, of course, try to make a run for the title. Everything is possible on such tournaments, there are always some surprises and if you’re there you have a good chance to win it.

You’ve played in Bundesliga for a long time. What is the biggest difference between Bundesliga and SEHA – Gazprom League? How do you like SEHA in general?
Bundesliga is, in my opinion, the toughest league in the world so it is really hard to compare the two.

You’ve been in Hungary for a while now. Why Veszprem, how come you’ve decided to sign with them and do you feel like that was the right decision to make?
I feel good here in Veszprem and yes, I think it was the right decision for me. It’s been really interesting getting to know the new system and working with a Spanish coach. This is something completely different for me and I like being here. My family likes it too, we’re having a good time here. Veszprem is everything I hoped it would be. Now we just need to chase our dreams and fight to win trophies.

You’re leading Veszprem in assists this season (22). Is that a sign you care more about the team than about your own numbers?
For me, it really doesn’t matter who is scoring goals in our matches. Most important thing is that we’re winning. Here in Veszprem we’re rotating a lot. Of course it is nice to see that I’m leading the team in assists but tomorrow it can be someone else and I’ll end up scoring a lot of goals or, on the other hand, maybe having zero shots. I don’t really care about individual numbers – all I care about is that we score at least one goal more than our opponents.

You’ve played with a lot of great players throughout your career. Have you met someone you know you’ll be friends for life with?
Of course. I mean, we’re spending so much time together that we have really close relationships. That’s one of the good things that comes with this job.

You are also a vital part of your national team. How did it feel to become a world champion with Denmark?
It felt really nice and was an amazing overall experience. This is, of course, highlight of my career.

Which part of your personality do you think helps you out there on the court? Is there something about you that you feel like is holding you back sometimes?
I am a different person when I’m out there so it is hard to answer. I sort of leave my personality in the locker room. Someone may not like me when I’m playing handball but that comes with that desire to win whenever you’re out there. Sometimes you can’t be friends with everyone. This is very common for a lot of players.

How do you spend your time away from the handball court?
I follow American sports and like to play golf as well. When the weather here gets better I really like to spend time playing golf. However, what I do the most during my free time is spend time with my family.