“The EHF European League is a great competition. It's getting tougher and tougher each season. There are many clubs that could play in the EHF Champions League. It is important for Kriens to be among those teams and for our sponsors also. We want to present ourselves in Europe and to show we are a good team,” says Musa.
The two line players know each other well. Playing together in Zagreb and the Croatia national team gives them a good starting point to transfer the energy to Kriens, and so far it works like a charm.
“I was excited when I heard the news Musa is coming here. We know each other very well on and off the court. We complement each other, playing together in defence and he helps in the attack when I need a rest. It is great to have someone experienced like Musa with me in the club, in the same position and to receive advice when you need it,” says Šipić.
Željko Musa was equally content to have a well-known face at the club. And when it comes to talking about Šipić's abilities, Musa has only praise.
“I am glad I can play with him, he was one of the reasons why I joined Kriens. We complement each other. Šipić is number one on the line and my role is to help in defence, 7-against-6 play and to help him when he needs a rest in the attack. He is a great line player, among the top five in Europe if you ask me when it comes to attack. What he can do is amazing. I am happy I can help sometimes with advice even though he is already an experienced player. He is getting better and better in defence, proving he is a player in both ways,” explains Musa.
Kriens Luzern will try to reach their first goal - the main round, against Górnik Zabrze, AEK Athens and TSV Hannover-Burgdorf. Musa, who was playing in the Polish league with Industria Kielce and the German Bundesliga with Magdeburg, is well aware there is no easy opponent.
“Hannover is the favourite in each match of the group, AEK made some strong signings and Zabrze is coming from a good Polish league. Our goal should be to try to win as many points as possible. This will be a great experience for the whole team,” says Musa.
His teammate Šipić had to add: “I don't want to sound arrogant but I think we can play against anyone in the group, especially at home in front of our fans and if we are injury-free. We had many of those at the start of preparation but if we all will be ready for the start of the European competition, we can aim high.”
Photos credit: HC Kriens-Luzern Facebook page