NEXE coming to Belarus without a ‘white flag’

Nexe u Bjelorusiju dolazi bez ‘bijele zastave’ | «Нексе»: в Беларусь без «белого флага»

Nexe

Croatian vice-champions NEXE are one of the teams which always tends to play modern, fast flowing handball, despite of the fact whether they perform in front of their supporters or on road. After a long trip to Belarus Brest it is sure that Kordi’s guys will do their best to provide a strong resistance to favored hosts. No white flags in their mind for sure. NEXE have so far this season performed great, especially against PPD Zagreb and Vardar with Veszprem being the only team which has managed to clearly outplay Slavonian ‘Thunder’.

NEXE’s young players will surely once again be eager to show what they can do against stronger than them and such approach is always a guarantee of a good match. Meshkov are however clear favorites. Not just considering the fact they have five wins in a row but also having in mind they were in last round better than Vardar in Skopje and are obviously in great form. Thing which guests might use well is that Meshkov will play without some of their key players in roster like Dzianis Rutenka, Pavel Atman, Ivan Pešić and Alexander Tioumentsev. Nikola Manojlović’ appearance is also still under the question mark.

Sergii Bebeshko, Meshkov’s coach:

We know that our rivals have already won four matches this season, but they’ve lost as much. However, it was against best teams in the League. NEXE always plays good handball in Brest. Team is well known for their back line shots. We will try to do everything to prevent it. Rutenka, Pešić, Tioumentsev will not play in this match. Manojlović has also small injury from the match versus Vardar in Skopje. We hope that Kamyshik will be able to replace him. Sergey Shylovich is luckily also ready to play.

Maxim Babichev, Meshkov’s player:

We know their playing style very well. Last time we met was on F4 in Veszprem last season. They are quite a strong rival and considering the fact we have some injured players it surely won’t be easy, we’ll have to be on our top level.

Zdenko Kordi, NEXE’s coach:

My opinion is that Meshkov are a better and stronger team than last season. They have system of play and they got much with Atman, Kristopans and Tioumentsev in squad. Definitely they are one of the best teams in SEHA Gazprom league. What can we do in this game? First of all, we will play the match after a long trip. In a match against team which is on paper better than us it is important to fulfill certain tasks on court. It can be some special defense, fast transition or something else…

Perica Lelić, NEXE's player:

From year to year they are a better team, and in maybe four years they will be one of the best European teams. Of course they are favorites in this match, but we don't have a plan to go on a long trip and lose the match. We must play good defense, and in attack we must minimize mistakes and play efficiently.