Flash quotes: group B media calls, 15 January

MANNHEIM - Comments from Croatia head coach Goran Perkovac (CRO), right back Luka Lovre Klarica (CRO) and left wing Marin Jelinic (CRO), Spain left back Daniel Dujshebaev (ESP) and line player Iñaki Peciña (ESP), and Austria head coach Ales Pajovic (SLO) and line player Tobias Wagner (AUT) at media calls on Monday.

CROATIA

Goran Perkovac (CRO) - head coach

On the draw against Austria:
“The game against Austria was in complete contrast compared to the one against Spain. We started good, were leading 5:1 and 6:3 but we missed too many clear chances. Our problem was in defence, we weren't strong enough, on our left side we let Austria score too many goals. I had a feeling we weren't fluid enough like in the first game.”

On Croatia's progress to the main round:
“We still have everything in our hands, nothing changed. Our biggest loss now is Ivan Martinovic's injury. He has a shoulder injury and he will likely have to undergo surgery. He has additional medical checkups in Heidelberg. I am very sad for him, apart from his importance on the court he is also a great person. Still, I believe in these players, we have a fighting spirit and we have two young players [Luka Lovre Klarica and Mateo Maras] in the same position and they have my trust.”

On their next opponents, Romania:
“We should not underestimate Romania. They have an aggressive defence with good transition. Even though they lost both games so far, we need to be careful but we should not fear. We know we are better and I know my players will be up for the task.”

Luka Lovre Klarica (CRO) - right back

On taking an important role after Ivan Martinovic's injury:
“Playing for the Croatia national team is a huge responsibility. You are not playing only for yourself but also for the whole country. I have to play at a high level and try to replace Ivan Martinovic as best as I can. I am very sad he got injured and for me, it is not nice to get this chance in a way like this.”

On the atmosphere in the team:
“We should maintain the atmosphere. We dropped a point and we are aware we were not on the level we are used to. We still have everything in place, most likely we will be in the main round and we will enter the game against Romania fully focused.”

Marin Jelinic (CRO) - left wing

On the game against Austria:
“We were preparing for a tough game after an emotional win against Spain. Due to Austria's aggressive defence and their seven-against-six play we had some problems. We played good in the first half but in the second half we made too many mistakes.”

On their next opponents, Romania:
“Romania are a very good team even though their first two results do not show enough. They have an amazing Spanish coach, Xavi Pascual, and a good back court line while playing a well-known Spanish defence. We have enough time to prepare and for us, it is crucial to have our strong and compact defence to help our goalkeepers.”

On Croatian play:
“The game against Austria showed us we need to enter every game fully concentrated and we hope our drop in focus will not happen again.”

SPAIN

Daniel Dujshebaev (ESP) - left back

On the last game against Romania:
“We knew after a defeat against Croatia that we will have to win both games to secure the main round. Against Romania, we did our job but we still have Austria. They are a strong team and they showed that against Croatia. If we play our handball we will have a good chance to succeed.”

On Austria's rotation:
“We know they have eight players that are playing most of the time. Our key is to make a good defence and we need to improve it even more. If we will play our defence it will mean we can also run which is good for us, especially able to do our rotation as we have 16 players.”

On changes in the Spanish team after the injury to Kauldi Odriozola:
“It is difficult for the team to have two changes after only two games. We have new players who didn't train much with us but luckily for us, they have experience and have already been part of the team for many years like Viran Morros. We need to keep working. You lose some pieces, you get new ones. It is like a challenge for us.”

On the possibility of being eliminated after the preliminary round:
“We hope we will do our job against Austria and that we will not have to worry about going home too early.”

Iñaki Peciña (ESP) - line player

On the pressure to win against Austria:
“We know we must go on to the main round and we want to be there. However, our focus right now is just Austria. There is a pressure and we know it but we will not let it come to us.”

On Austria's team:
“We know Austria is a big team, they have now good chances to go to the main round and it will be a good fight against them. We have to do good defence against them and have our goalkeepers on level. Our task is to concentrate the whole 60 minutes, it will be a big fight."

AUSTRIA

Ales Pajovic (SLO) - head coach

On the game against Croatia:
“We didn't have a good start against Croatia and when we were trailing 1:5 I thought they would repeat the performance against Spain. However, we were able to get back. I am happy we remained calm and started to play what we agreed on. We had good tactical preparation and did our defence on a high level, making Croatia nervous and forcing them to make mistakes.”

On Austria's squad:
”I was afraid we will not have enough strength to keep up with them for the whole 60 minutes. I don't have such wide rotation as they do but my players did amazing, especially with an extra player.”

On the shoulder injury sustained by Croatia’s Ivan Martinovic:
“I feel bad for Ivan Martinovic and his injury. He is an amazing player and Croatia will miss him.”

On the last game against Spain:
“Spain is still Spain. They have their system, being at the top for many ears. they didn't have a good start to the tournament which can be a good thing for us. For us, the game against Spain is like the final and in matches like that we need to give everything we can.”

Tobias Wagner (AUT) - line player

On the draw against Croatia:
“We are happy with the result. It was not just us talking we could play or beat the big teams but we did it. We even had a chance to beat Croatia near the end but despite we missed them, we are happy with a draw. It was a great effort from the whole team.”

On the crucial game against Spain:
“We hope Spain will also have a problem with our defence. Spain are not maybe on the same level we all are used they are but still, we know it will be tough. They have some changes and maybe that is our opportunity.”

On Austria's strength and the spirit in the team:
“The atmosphere in the team is amazing, especially after the game against Croatia. We were hanging out after the game and were talking, just having fun. It is important to charge our batteries, especially the social one. We had a good rest and we will do our best to keep up with Spain whole 60 minutes and try to surprise them also. I believe we all are going to be on our highest level.”