Meshkov eager to defeat Zagreb and secure their Final 4 ticket
Two rounds before the end of the regular part of SEHA -Gazprom League season Meshkov Brest will have a chance to secure their Final 4 ticket with an eventual win over PPD Zagreb on Saturday (16:15 local time) and become the fourth team which will appear on this season’s SEHA - Gazprom League Final Four tournament!
After the win over Vardar in Skopje Manolo Cadenas and his boys are flying high, especially knowing that even in case the make a mistake against Zagreb on Saturday they still have a chance to make things right for themselves playing NEXE in Nasice in the last round.
PPD Zagreb have on the other hand already secured their F4 spot but still don’t know who they are going to face in the semis.
Manolo Cadenas, Meshkov Brest coach:
We’re doing good at the moment having two important victories behind us in the last few days. I’m pleased with the way we’re playing at the moment and with the attitude players have. Crucial game against Zagreb is now ahead of us against a team which is clearly on the rise ever since coach Tamse arrived. This will be a hard one and it will be important to enter the encounter fully focused. Win would most likely seal the deal in terms of us reaching the final tournament.
Ivan Matskevich, Meshkov Brest goalkeeper:
PPD Zagreb are a serious opponent and like us they’ve also managed to qualify for the Last 16 phase of the Champions League. Win is of big importance for us at the moment. In recent matches we’ve proved everyone we can defeat favoured opponents by having the right attitude and playing our best. We really need three points and we’ll fight for them.
Branko Tamse, PPD Zagreb coach:
As far as fatigue is concerned, last few weeks were really hard for us. A lot of days on the road. Despite of that, we’re aware a strong and motivated opponent is waiting for us. Goal is to play a good game and try to stun hosts. Unfortunately, we’re not at our best at the moment.
Matej Hrstic, PPD Zagreb player:
Another long trip is ahead of us. Match will be played pretty early which is not the best thing for us but we’ll do everything we can in order to prepare for it best we can. I expect Meshkov to play with best they have on Saturday since they are still in need of points in order to qualify for the final tournament. We on the other side have some tough matches behind us but despite of that I believe we’ll find strength to deliver a good performance.