Kristina Kristiansen: "We must trust our concept"

Kristina "Mulle" Kristiansen is one of the few players who was there the first time the club played in the most prestigious tournament, and now she is looking forward to doing it again.

"We are very much looking forward to playing in the EHF Champions League this year. We had a good season last year, where we came second in the Danish league. It will be exciting to be able to add another layer to the level," says an excited Kristiansen, who can't wait to get started.

As early as 7 September at 16:00 CEST, a difficult match awaits when the Danes run into the Hungarian champions FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria on a difficult away ground in Budapest, and it is precisely that match that NFH's captain looks at right now:

"We have to meet a very physical team in a huge setting. Our first game will be a difficult game, we all have to go in and perform at our best. We must trust our concept and minimize as many mistakes as possible. We have to run with them and press them in the counterplay.

"In principle, they are a well-equipped team and are sharp in all positions. Most importantly, we need to get a gap around the goalkeeping position," asserts the 35-year-old centre back and former Danish national team player.

In addition to the first match on Saturday, a lot of other exciting, tough and intense matches are in the pipeline for the Danish team, who have upgraded their EHF European League participation from the past two seasons with the level above — and that is something that can be seen on paper.

“All teams look good. We will meet some of the best clubs in the world. We are looking forward to measuring ourselves against them so that all matches will be incredibly educational regardless of the outcome".

After looking at the opponents that await Kristiansen and co. we take a look at Nykøbing Falster Håndbold itself. They were runners-up in Danish championship in the 2023/24 season, while in the EHF European League, they had to see themselves out after the group stage – but now they are ready for more.

"We have a high top level, but unfortunately also a low bottom level at times. If we can lift this and raise our bottom level, I think we will be an exciting team to follow in the EHF Champions League. It is difficult to answer how it will go in our group, but we will fight in every match and show the world that NFH is a good team.

"I just hope we will play good handball, among other things by running a lot with the other teams, and play some fun handball.

"We have played international EHF tournaments for many years now, and once the EHF Champions League. It's the biggest thing you can play at club level, so having to play that tournament with your team will be the coolest," says team captain "Mulle".

Photo credit: Nykøbing Falster Handball, kolektiff images