League check handball

Team boss Pajovic: Who will be champions? Who will be relegated?

Pajovic (l.) believes that Graz and Bärnbach/Köflach will stay in the HLA class(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The domestic handball league (HLA) is entering the home straight and is looking for its new champion and a relegated team. The Styrian clubs are in the mix at the top and bottom. National team boss Ales Pajovic checks the chances for the decisive phase.

"This defeat was a bit disappointing," admits Ales Pajovic. And by that he means the elimination of his former club HSG Graz at the weekend in the semi-final of the ÖHB Cup against underdog West Vienna. "Body language and motivation were questionable and I don't understand that when you're playing in a Final Four. Unfortunately, we've seen this problem in Graz several times this year."

After the shattered Cup dream, it's time for the team from Graz to secure their place in the next few weeks. "Fortunately, they played a few good games beforehand and picked up points." Which is why HSG go into the six games against relegation with a six-point lead over bottom team Hollabrunn.

Robert has already made progress with the team, but the squad still lacks a lot to be a really good team. The derby against Graz will be very interesting.

Teamchef Ales Pajovic

Styrian derby at the weekend
The first away opponent is Bärnbach/Köflach on Saturday (7 p.m.), where ÖHB star Robert Weber is the player-coach. "Robert has already made progress with the team, but the squad still lacks a lot to be a really good team. The derby against Graz will be very interesting."

The West Styrians are only two points ahead of the relegation zone, but according to Pajovic they should be able to avoid relegation because: "Hollabrunn has been the worst team in the league all season."

Foxes favorite against Fivers
The only Styrian hope in the play-offs for the championship title are the BT Füchse. The team from Upper Styria finished the basic round in third place. And will be looking to secure the first of two wins needed to reach the semi-finals at home against the Vienna Fivers on Sunday.

Pajovic trusts his national team goalkeeper Möstl to win the title(Bild: GEPA pictures)

"The Fivers haven't had their best season this year. If the Foxes have everyone healthy, it's difficult for any team to compete in Bruck or Trofaiach. The Füchse should be promoted, they have a good team," the ÖHB team boss is certain.

Pajovic backs Hard
However, Pajovic does not yet believe that the Foxes, unbeaten for nine games in a row in the fall, can pull off the big upset. "Hard are the hottest championship contenders and Consti Möstl (also national goalkeeper) is a key to success with his consistently good performances. I see Schwaz as the most likely opponent in the final."

Even before the start of the HLA semi-final series, Pajovic is looking for the next big match with the national team: on May 9, his team will play the first leg against Georgia in the World Cup qualifier. "We are the favorites," says the Slovenian. "And I expect a full hall and a good atmosphere for the second leg in Vienna (12.5., 4pm)."