Weber against former coach

Gratitude is now out of place

Robert Weber(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Robert Weber became Austria's number one on the wing under Croatia team boss Sigurdsson in 2008.They are opponents at today's start of the Olympic qualifiers.

The "Krone" reports from Hanover

"All in" - the motto team boss Ales Pajovic had proclaimed at the European Handball Championship before duels against seemingly overpowering opponents. The Slovenian also used these two favorite words when talking about today's opening opponent in the Olympic qualifiers in Hanover - Croatia. The 28:28 in January was the initial spark for the glorious European Championship.

The fact that their opponents have changed team manager is certainly not an advantage. Dagur Sigurdsson is an old acquaintance who initiated Austria's upswing in 2008.

We know what we can do - the important thing is that we have also raised our expectations as a team.

ÖHB-Kapitän Nikola BILYK

The memory of the start is still vivid in Robert Weber's mind. The Icelander made him the new number one on the right wing instead of David Szlezak. "Everything he says has substance. I owe him a lot!"

The current ÖHB sporting director Paco Fölser also played under the Icelander.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

1000-goal mark in sight
Gratitude is not a criterion today - 16 years after Sigurdsson's decision in favor of Weber, the Vorarlberg native and the Icelander are now opponents. "Regardless of Dagur, the Croatians are world-class players," emphasizes Weber. Ivan Martinovic, who was injured during the European Championship against Austria, is back - with goalkeeper Pilipovic, a second former Margareten Fivers player is part of the squad.

Back to Weber: The 38-year-old European Championship all-star could break the 1000-goal mark at the Olympic qualifiers - 22 are still missing. "That would be a scent mark," admits the Vorarlberg native with reference to 2510 goals in the German Bundesliga.