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Can fatigued Elverum use the Romanians' problems?

The Romanians were left by their head coach Walther, but the financial situation is getting sorted out so he will return to his position. But not until Monday, and the team will be led by assistant coach Pop today

Photo: www.sprwislaplock.pl

Elverum are in a crisis and that can't be disputed. Coach Apelgren started saying loud and clear that the Champions League is causing problems for them because they can't keep up with the tempo of playing games every three days. Their National Handball federation didn't help them, like some do, so they have to play their league games regardless of the fact that they are representing Norway in the most elite handball competition. 

Their elimination from the Cup showed that something is wrong. After that they were 'demolished' by Skjern, and then they struggled a lot against Viking, until recently a second league team, and then they lost in Skopje, but also in Bergen to Fyllingen. 

The reason for the bad results is definitely the fact that Elverum don't have the squad necessary to play at such a tempo. 

Even though Fyllingen didn't play very fast on Wednesday, it was clear that Elverum simply cannot play hard when it's needed the most, and that especially concerns Mehl and Stegavik who haven't done anything special in the offense. Mitrovic still does something with his individual quality, but the rest of them tried with counterattacks that kept them in the fame with Nergard on the goal. A win today would be very important to them, both points-wise and confidence-wise. 

- It would be really good if we would defeat Baia Mare and I think we have a chance to do that. Of course, we are not the favorites, but we never will be - said Stegavik. 

This game will be very special for Stegavik because he came to Elverum from Baia Mare. Even though it will be emotional, of course Stegvik is expected to know all the Romanians' weak points and tell them to his team and Apelgren. 

- They are not in a good mood but they definitely have a good team. It will be interesting to see how they will act on field because of the problems they are having. A lot will depend on their approach but I still think we have a good chance - added Stegavik. 

Baia Mare have been a specific team this season. As the problems, primarily financial, get bigger, they achieve better results. They earned another point against Kadetten, but we can't say that they played better. Goalkeepr Tatani saved the situation with 17 saves but, despite that, his team managed to concede 31 goals. 

- I am responsible for the amount of goals. I really don't know what happened to me; I was horrible in defense - captain Fotache admitted after the game, he is one of the key defenders in Baia Mare. 

Let's remember, he was one of the first players to complain when the paychecks were late and that got him suspended. Was this repentance honest or was this another way for Fotanche to protest, we leave that to your judgement. The only fact is that he wasn't the only player on the field who played below his level; Baia haven't looked well as a collective. 

- I've constantly been saying that we have to stop the counterattacks through the wings, and then we conceded seven goals from counterattacks and don't guard the wingers at all - coach Walther was clearly frustrated. 

That was the start of problems for the Romanian champions. After the financial affair regarding the city's mayor was revealed, which was connected to the handball club, Walther decided to leave the team. He didn't lead them against weak Focsani, but they still managed to win by four despite numerous mistakes. Some players were rested so they would be fit for today's game. Walther won't be leading the Romanians today either, even though, according to local media, the financial situation is resolved. He will return to his position on Monday. Today they will be led by Peter Pop who said ahead of the match:

- I have at my disposal a team that has no problems in the Romanian Championship when things are going as planned. But Champions League is a higher level; players are showing that they are much more hard working - they are true professionals. 

Individuals from the away team haven't been very professional during the financial crisis, it is questionable how they will look without their head coach today. Unpleasant situation ahead of a match in which points are important to continue fight for one of the two top positions.