Team Esbjerg and Odense Håndbold have navigated a challenging schedule to reach the Champions League Final Four, but concerns remain about the impact of domestic league commitments on their performance. The Danish handball federation is facing scrutiny over its match scheduling, with suggestions that it should be adjusted to better support Danish teams competing in the Champions League.

The debate arose after Team Esbjerg narrowly avoided a decisive third semi-final match in the Danish Championship, which would have disrupted their preparations for the Final Four. Rikke Iversen, a national team player from Team Esbjerg, highlighted the advantage enjoyed by other teams who have already concluded their national league seasons.

Line Haugsted emphasized the importance of having a full week to prepare for the Final Four, allowing for better training adjustments and physical recovery. Instead of focusing on a potential semi-final game, the team was able to dedicate its efforts to planning for the match against Györ.

Mette Tranborg acknowledged the difficulty of performing at one’s best when physically and mentally exhausted at the end of the season. Despite the challenges, she expressed confidence in Team Esbjerg’s readiness to compete in the Final Four after a week of preparation and recovery.

Team Esbjerg is set to face Györ in the Champions League semi-final on Saturday.