Fenix Toulouse coach Danijel Andjelkovic: ‘We know our goals’
The Toulouse coach was very satisfied with the state of mind of his troops after the success against Saran (31-27) last night.
Danijel, between two European Cup matches, are you satisfied with the way your team explained this match against Saran?
It was a trick game. Saran is fighting for her maintenance and we were psychologically ready for this challenge. We knew it would be tough. It’s very important for us that we don’t have any injuries. We were able to rotate, everyone was able to play a little to try to arrive as fresh as possible on Tuesday for the return match against Benfica (in the round of 16 of the European League, editor’s note).
In particular, you decided to launch Uros Borzas, who had somewhat disappeared from circulation. Why ?
He hadn’t played the last two games and it was expected that he would play because he is fresh. He responded well by being decisive in the first half (5 goals in the first 10 minutes, 7/12 in total, Ed).
Very used until then Fredric Pettersson was also able to breathe a little.
We pull a lot on his knees and it squeaks for a little while. We have to manage him because the season is long and we are going to need him. I hope that I could also soon recover Luka (Sokolic, editor’s note) whose latest news is rather encouraged.
Against Saran, you were able to count on a still precious Jef Lettens. Does it surprise you?
He got us used to performing in every game (he smiles). He did what he had to do, as usual!
You now have three points more than your direct competitors. Can we talk about filming in the race for Europe?
The objective was to win against opponents within our reach and we did it but on a very complicated schedule by the end of the championship and nothing is settled. We know where we started from and we know our goals, but the season is still long.
You’ve been unbeaten at home for more than four months and have lost just one of your last 19 matches in all competitions: how do you view those numbers?
I did not know. Thank you for reminding me, it’s beautiful (he laughs). Afterwards, frankly, we don’t have much time to reflect on what we have already done. We rather try to concentrate on the game after. And the match after is Benfica, Tuesday.