Tageblatt.lu | Handball | Showdown in the Coque: This is how Zekan, Labonté, Brittner and Kirsch look at the Final Four

Loris Labonté (HBD): “Our first priority”

“The cup is our first priority at the moment,” says Loris Labonté before the Final Four. “We have invested so much in terms of performance this season and now we really want to bring a title to Dudelange, also to reward the people who work in the background of the club.” After the defeat against Berchem last weekend in the AXA League, the championship title has become very far away, but in the cup the Dudelingers are in the Final Four and can dream of their first title since 2015. That is the focus. The focus is on moving forward and the defeat against Berchem has been put behind us.

“It’s no use mourning a lost game,” says Labonté. “But we’re taking the defeat as a wake-up call. It’s now clear to all of us that we really have to give it our all in the Final Four. We can’t let up at any point and we have to give 110 percent.” In the semi-finals, HBD will first face HC Standard on Thursday. On paper it is the easiest opponent. “But we won’t underestimate them, every opponent can be dangerous,” says Labonté.

Alen Zekan (Standard): “A Sprint”

“The championship is a marathon, the cup is a sprint,” says Alen Zekan before the semi-finals. “It’s 60 minutes in which anything can happen – and we are motivated to do something.” The message the 36-year-old is conveying before the Final Four is clear. The Standard is the clear outsider in the Coque, but does not want to appear as such. “We have already achieved our goals for the season, we can now enjoy the coque. We go in without pressure and can play easily. That might increase our chances a little.”

But Zekan also knows from experience that the scenery in the Coque can be overwhelming, especially if you are experiencing it for the first time – as will be the case for many of his teammates. After all, the capital city team is among the top four teams in the cup for the first time in 30 years. “The joy can be felt throughout the club,” says Zekan. “It will be a big moment in the careers of many players. I am also very happy to be playing in the Coque again.” As one of the team’s experienced players, Zekan should play a calming role. “When you go out there for the first time, you’re extremely nervous. A little bit of nervousness is good, but it shouldn’t get the better of you. Otherwise you won’t be able to play freely. That’s where I’m trying to help, along with the other experienced players like Sédin (Zuzo), so that we can get the best out of it.” It will be anything but easy against the HBD around Alen’s brother Aldin, but the capital city residents are facing the challenge head on.

Charel Brittner (Berchem): “Defend the cup”

Five days before the cup semi-finals, HC Berchem has once again gained a lot of self-confidence. The 32:29 win against Dudelange on Saturday was a pointer to the competition. “We wanted to show that we are there, even if we can no longer have a say in the fight for the championship title,” says Charel Brittner. “We wanted to set an example. Especially because there is a likelihood that there will be another duel with HBD in the cup final.”

Before that happens, the Berchem team first has to get past HB Esch on Thursday. “Esch is always an unpleasant opponent,” said Brittner. The last league duel was lost 26:27. “It wasn’t a strong performance from us. We weren’t able to play our game as usual,” the 23-year-old reflects. The opponent’s offensive defense in particular posed problems for Berchem. “Their defense is very high. Sometimes you get the feeling that it’s a bit of a freestyle defense. But it works. They drive the opponents crazy with it,” said Brittner. “We know what’s coming and we’re prepared for it.” In the Final Four, the Berchem team now wants to build on last season. Back then, they secured the title in the Coque with two comfortable victories against the Red Boys and HBD. “We want to defend the cup and end our season on a positive note,” said Brittner.

Bob Kirsch (Esch): “Chance for the title in a roller coaster season”

The cup victory in 2024 – it is a moment that Bob Kirsch still looks back on fondly to this day. “I often watch videos of previous games and the 2024 final is one of my favorites,” he says. “Nobody expected us to even make it to the final. In the end, we won the cup – mainly thanks to exemplary team spirit.” A success that Esch would love to repeat this year. “It’s nice that we still have a chance for a title in this rollercoaster season,” said Kirsch. “We want to try to use that.”

The Eschers were repeatedly slowed down by bad luck with injuries over the course of the season. Good performances also alternated with worse ones. “Nobody in the Coque is interested in all these games anymore. The cup writes its own rules.” Esch will face Berchem in the semi-finals on Thursday. The last encounter was won by the HBE, who posed problems for the Roeserbanner, especially with their offensive and variable defense. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Berchem would prepare for this in training,” said the 21-year-old, who is expecting a competitive duel on equal terms. The previous games of the season between the two teams all ended with a maximum difference of three goals, so an exciting duel can also be expected on Thursday.