2023 Champions League Team Previews: Part Seven
With an exciting new location for the 2023 Champions League, final preparations are underway amongst all teams fighting to become champions of Europe in Paris, France. 15 men’s teams and 9 women’s teams will battle it out in their respective competition formats across five pitches at Parc du Tremblay on Saturday April 1st, in what is set to be a massive day for all teams across Europe, UK and Ireland.
In the competition’s seventh format, the level of play continues to grow, and you will be able to catch all the action throughout the day on our YouTube channel here.
In part seven of the previews, we take a look at Sesvete Redlegs, Cork Vikings and Berlin Crocs.
Women’s Competition:
Sesvete Redlegs
How has the lead-up to the Champions League been for your team this year?
Pretty intense training sessions since the middle of January. That will probably slow down a little as we get closer to the date.
Which players should we be on the look-out for during the tournament?
This year I think the biggest impact on the game will be Kristina Martic and Tea Tomasek.
Are there any major changes in terms of players or coaching staff that will impact your team’s performance?
There have been no major changes. Just a few new players since last year.
How does your team feel about the change in location from Amsterdam to Paris for this year’s tournament?
Amsterdam was a delight because we played there a couple of times and got used to the pitches, the town and the atmosphere.
What are the ambitions for your team at the 2023 Champions League?
To do better than last year. Would be nice to end up in the top 4 teams.
What is your team’s favourite part about competing in the Champions League?
The fact that we get to play against teams from all over Europe and test our skill against them.
Which player in your team would you trust the most to kick a goal after the siren to win the tournament?
Tea Tomasek. She still can’t get over the pain of missing a goal in the last seconds of the match last year. This might give her a chance to redeem herself.
Which team do you consider the biggest threat to your chances of winning the Champions League?
I think the Banshee’s are the strongest team in the tournament again this year but we hope to make the match a little bit more exciting though.
Cork Vikings
How has the lead-up to the Champions League been for your team this year?
With the weather being a bit rubbish lately, it’s been difficult to get a full squad out, but everyone has been doing their own work to keep up fitness and skills. Every time we have all been together recently, things have been shaping up well.
Which players should we be on the look-out for during the tournament?
Are there any major changes in terms of players or coaching staff that will impact your team’s performance?
A couple of changes to the bench, with a few girls not being able to make it, but we have equally strong players coming in this time. We have managed to develop and keep a strong squad of players who know each other inside and out, which always helps! One significant change is our full back in last year’s tournament is out injured, so has taken up an assistant coaching role. But no worries, we have a strong replacement for her to slot into the back line.
How does your team feel about the change in location from Amsterdam to Paris for this year’s tournament?
The team were looking forward to going back to Amsterdam, so the change to Paris was a surprise – but once the competition is run and we get to play, we don’t mind where it happens.
What are the ambitions for your team at the 2023 Champions League?
We hope to have a good tournament, a few intense games, and retain the title – going for two in a row (fingers crossed!).
What is your team’s favourite part about competing in the Champions League?
Getting the opportunity to represent Ireland at a club level and see the talent across Europe, playing against the top teams. It was a great day last year, so hoping for the same again this time round.
Which player in your team would you trust the most to kick a goal after the siren to win the tournament?
Which team do you consider the biggest threat to your chances of winning the Champions League?
Every team is worth paying attention to and giving your all against. We’re not overlooking any team at all – you never know when you might face your toughest opponents so we’re going in prepared for anything.
Men’s Competition:
Berlin Crocs
How has the lead-up to the Champions League been for your team this year?
As always our season kicks off the week after Champions League. This is a good opportunity to see how our pre-season has shaped up.
Which players should we be on the look-out for during the tournament?
The player to keep an eye out for would be Benno Bock. Not only does he have a great name, but the veteran skills are silky smooth.
Are there any major changes in terms of players or coaching staff that will impact your team’s performance?
This year the Berlin Crocs are coming into the tournament with a very similar squad. We are looking forward seeing how our internationals do on the big stage after one more year of experience under their belts.
How does your team feel about the change in location from Amsterdam to Paris for this year’s tournament?
Very excited for the change of scenery, very excited for our own Karl to show us around his home city 🇫🇷.
What are the ambitions for your team at the 2023 Champions League?
What is your team’s favourite part about competing in the Champions League?
Our favourite part of the tournament is the new mates you get to make and also discovery the night life after the tournament.
Which player in your team would you trust the most to kick a goal after the siren to win the tournament?
The player that we would trust the most to kick a goal would be Ole Becker, hopefully his hair does not get in the way though
Which team do you consider the biggest threat to your chances of winning the Champions League?
The wildcats will be a tough match up. The UK teams always have good talent rolling through the doors.
