Renewed PPD Zagreb against renewed NEXE

Novi PPD Zagreb protiv novog NEXEa

PPD Zagreb - Nexe 4 (14/15)

Zagreb will in SEHA Gazprom league's first round, in Croatian derby host NEXE (Wednesday, 19.00). For the first time in 5 years team from Našice will open the season in Croatian capital in order to do PPD Zagreb a favor ahead of tough away matches in Champions League.

'Lions' are entering the season weakened, without Josip Valčič and Stipe Mandalinić. Pre-season was tough, with many matches and NEXE will show multiple Croatian champion's form and power in the beginning of the new season.

NEXE have on the other side managed to reinforce during the summer. There are many new players like Zrnić, Halilković (...) who are giving them hope that they might repeat last season's success and reach League's Final tournament.

Veselin Vujović, PPD Zagreb's coach:

We've had some roster changes from the last season but our goal is to once again show we have a strong, competitive team. There will be many challenges for s both in Champions League and SEHA League in order to qualify for the Final tournament. I'd also like to use the opportunity to thank NEXE for coming to Zagreb in the first round because of tough away matches ahead of us. However, our goal remains to play in the best possible way and go to Brest on wings of a big win.

Zlatko Horvat, PPD Zagreb's player:

Pre-season was good, except for some injuries. Atmosphere is good, new players have become part of the team and we'll enter the new season fully motivated and in good mood. Traditionaly we'll open the League against NEXE, a good team which has last season had an amazing season and will this season again be a dangerous opponent to anyone.

Zdenko Kordi, NEXE's coach:

Challenging season is ahead of us. We've managed to have a great season last year and we'll have to do really good to repeat it. Our previous matches against Zagreb were not so competitive with Zagreb dominating them and that's an additional motive for us to play best we can. They will soonly play CL and I'm sure their wish is to call supporters with some good performances.

Marko Mrđenović, NEXE's player:

We've had great pre-season and tournaments in Kanjiža and Skopje. That is why I'm sure we're ready for a new season in which we will in 10 days play 4 matches, 3 from which on road. We know PPD Zagreb very well. They are one of four best teams in the League. They are favorites but in case we play best we can we'll have our chances. We will surely not give up until the final whistle.