Champions League Women | 2 Sep 2020

Moravsý Krumlov ready for the premiere in European Champions League Women

Czech Republic’s Moravsý Krumlov's will start their journey in the European Champions League Women from the Group stage. In the opening round they will meet Spain’s Girbau VIC TT.

 

COVID 19  changed our routine, how did you adapt.

 

“Due to the government restrictions our hall stayed closed form 11th March to the end of May. That's why we decided to cancel traditional summer break and our players are in full training since 1st June. Nowadays I believe all we are back in form again,” said Jindřich BÍLA.

 

What is the new routine under measures in Czech Republic?

 

“At the moment there are nearly no restrictions in our country. Masks are obliged just in specific areas like public transport and medical service. Sport life is not limited.”

 

However, the changes are inevitable.

 

“For next season we decided to lean on players who are living in Czech republic to avoid any complications with travelling restrictions of foreign, especially Asian players. Anyway, we believe we built strong team which could fight for the Czech title. In Europe we are preparing for our very first start in Champions league. Our sport target is to go through the 1st round and reach the group stage.”

 

Which players will play in Europe this season?

 

“Our team have left both Asian players, Chinese LIU Jing Xuan and Olga KIM from Uzbekistan. Instead of this we will believe in experienced Czech national team players Renáta ŠTRBÍKOVÁ and Lenka HARABASZOVÁ. Team's nr. 1 player is 24 old years Russian Ekaterina CHERNYAVSKAYA, who lives already three years in Czech Republic. Another two young players Eliška ŠEDOVÁ and Anastasiya DYMYTRENKO from Ukraine are going to gain experiences on the top level.

 

To reach the goal, club have to overcame experienced Spanish adversaries.

 

“Generally we are satisfied with the draw. In first round we are going to meet Girbau Vic TT, Spanish vice-champions and last year’s quarterfinalists of the Champions league. It is more than clear they are very strong adversaries and we will be slightly underdogs in our clash. But there are no weak opponents on this level.”

 

Parallelly the club will have another tough challenge.

 

“In Czech Extraliga we would like to put the strong team of SKST Hodonin into great pressure. They are title defenders. In Europe we would be happy to reach the group stage of Champions league. If not successfully then we will do our best to win as much games in Europe Cup as possible to make our fans happy and keep our European rating.”

 

Ekaterina CHERNYAVSKAYA added: "After long break we are already looking forward to start new season. We are preparing for our first start in the Champions league ever, what is great challenge for us."