2023 Champions League Team Previews: Part Two
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 two of the previews, the teams featured include Cardiff Panthers, Vienna Galahs, Oslo Crows and
Women’s Competition:
Cardiff Panthers
How has the lead-up to the Champions League been for your team this year?
We’ve had a few ups and downs with players having to drop out but overall I think everyone is excited and looking forward to showing Europe that the Welsh are a force to be reckoned with!
We’ve definitely turned up a notch as a team, as we know this is going to be a different level from the general league. A lot of us have experience playing at the National & International level, and I think those experiences will help to prepare the team for an event like this.
We recently held a pre-season tournament, Dragon Cup which we won and it was the perfect opportunity to have a run out as a squad before Champions League.
Which players should we be on the look-out for during the tournament?
This is a tough one! I think we have strong players across all aspects of the field, and we all bring different strengths at different moments. If I had to pick players across the field right now; Kelsy Dyer (forward), Hannah Layton (mids), and Elise Cafolla (backs).
Are there any major changes in terms of players or coaching staff that will impact your team’s performance?
Over the last few weeks there have been changes to our initial player roster due to injury and other circumstances. I wouldn’t say these are necessarily major – in fact I think we are more prepared thinking about positioning, rotations and where our strengths lie.
Our usual coach, Calumn Newman will be competing for the Men’s team and so we have Jay Treloar, the North London Lions & GB Swans coach travelling to coach us.
How does your team feel about the change in location from Amsterdam to Paris for this year’s tournament?
There was some disappointment as many of us have been to Paris previously and it would have been fantastic to play at the iconic Amsterdam venue, however the facilities in Paris look great and we’re excited to have our own designated changing room to blast the pre-match tunes in!
What are the ambitions for your team at the 2023 Champions League?
To perform to the best of our abilities, to make ourselves and our club proud and to win games and have a good time!
We have a great team approach to game/tournament days, and an even stronger work ethic. We’re looking forward to going out there and giving it everything we have, and leaving with a statement.
What is your team’s favourite part about competing in the Champions League?
It’s our first time competing in CL, so I suppose we will have a lot more to say about our favourite parts once we’re there! It’s the first time the Panthers women have entered, and both Men’s & Women’s Panthers teams are attending. It’s historical, and I think that’s likely to be a favourite part for us – doing it together.
We’re also really looking forward to competing against the best teams in Europe!
Which player in your team would you trust the most to kick a goal after the siren to win the tournament?
Kelsy Dyer, she remains calm under pressure, has one hell of a boot on her and probably has the best scoring record in the whole of Wales!
Which team do you consider the biggest threat to your chances of winning the Champions League?
Definitely the Cork Vikings!
Men’s Competition:
Vienna Galahs
How has the lead-up to the Champions League been for your team this year?
Our preparation has been solid so far this year.
Which players should we be on the look-out for during the tournament?
Be on the lookout for Max Tomek’s great marking abilities and Pablo Caldarola’s coolness under pressure.
Are there any major changes in terms of players or coaching staff that will impact your team’s performance?
Unfortunately, many of our core team could not make the trip for various reasons. Skipper Kieran Doohan, Ronan & Kagan Cott, Paul Bale, Reece Tyrrell, Tom Barron, Jacob Hand just to name a few.
How does your team feel about the change in location from Amsterdam to Paris for this year’s tournament?
Travelling time to Amsterdam or Paris is about the same from Vienna. The facility in Paris looks splendid though.
What are the ambitions for your team at the 2023 Champions League?
Our ambition is to compete as a mid-tier club at the champions league. We might get away with a sneaky win against one or two of the favoured teams.
What is your team’s favourite part about competing in the Champions League?
Our favourite part about competing this year is that it’s given our club an early goal for the season, giving purpose to our training.
Which player in your team would you trust the most to kick a goal after the siren to win the tournament?
Kieran Kellett would be most trusted to kick a goal after the siren
Which team do you consider the biggest threat to your chances of winning the Champions League?
We’re not concerned with other teams.
Oslo Crows
How has the lead-up to the Champions League been for your team this year?
We have snow cover all winter, so we haven’t had much outdoor experience since summer last year. We’re hoping our indoor training will pay off.
Which players should we be on the look-out for during the tournament?
A few hot rookies coming in (Stew and Willis), plus some seasoned Norwegian veterans who have improved their game (Eivind and Poppe)
Are there any major changes in terms of players or coaching staff that will impact your team’s performance?
In relation to the last tournament we played in? We’ve got a few stronger locals and a few younger imports, so should be a fun tournament.
How does your team feel about the change in location from Amsterdam to Paris for this year’s tournament?
Amsterdam was fun and cheap, but we’re excited about a new city and some wine and baguettes.
What are the ambitions for your team at the 2023 Champions League?
Getting out of the pool stage in the top 2.
What is your team’s favourite part about competing in the Champions League?
Mostly the pre party and the after party.
Which player in your team would you trust the most to kick a goal after the siren to win the tournament?
Matt Scully.
Which team do you consider the biggest threat to your chances of winning the Champions League?
We’ll see on the day.
