Eli Pinedo: “We can do it!”

The left winger of the EHF Women’s Champions League debutant Itxako talks to ehfcl.com about the forthcoming CL qualification tournament, her career and her hopes for the future. The 27-year old Pinedo plays for the Spanish national team and has won numerous Spanish trophies so far. She is no stranger to the Champions League having already played for Sagunto.

Ehfcl.com: You have worked with four important figures in Spanish handball – Reyes Carrere (Bera Bera), Gregorio Garcia (Cementos La Union Ribarroja), Cristina Mayo (Sagunto) and now Ambros Martin (Itxako). What makes the young Ambros a good coach?

Eli Pinedo: Ambros is a real professional. Five years ago he was a handball player so one of his major advantages is the ability to look at situations from a player’s perspective. This makes it easier for players to work with him. Ambros is also very well organised and he prepares all the videos, training, game plans and everything else necessary.

Ehfcl: You have experience playing in the CL with Sagunto (Valencia). What qualities will Itxako bring to the Champions League?

Eli Pinedo: Itxako has enormous defensive potential and great possibilities to improve in all aspects of the game. I believe we have to take advantage of this situation and play our matches without fear. The team will continue to build upon the progress we have made so far!

Ehfcl: Last season was the best season in history of your club. You were second in Spanish championship with same number of points as first team – Elda. Also Itxako played in EHF Cup finals. You were very close to winning both trophies. What are new objectives for next season?

Eli Pinedo: The goal of the club is to obtain better results than last season and to play better than last season. We are well aware that the EHF CL is a very tough competition, but we are looking forward to it with great ambition and enthusiasm. My goal as a player is always same: to learn something new every day with my players, coaches in various competitions and of course, to win another trophy would bring me a great deal of satisfaction.

Ehfcl: Itxako will play the EHF CL qualification tournament for the first time. Do you think that Itxako can succeed?

Eli Pinedo: It is clear that we are in really big competition here, but we came and it took great sacrifice and a lot of hard work to get this far and because of all that; I am convinced that my team is capable of staying at this top level of handball.

Ehfcl: Itxako will play the qualification tournament at home against Podravka Vegeta, Leipzig and one more team from the pre-qualification. What do you think about the opponents?

Eli Pinedo: Those are strong teams. I played many times against Podravka Vegeta when I was in Bera Bera and Ribarroja and it was always hard to play against them. Leipzig is also strong but not impossible to defeat. To be honest when I see the teams in my group, I can saw that we had a good draw. All we have to do is prepare ourselves well for the upcoming tournament and I am convinced we can win it.

Ehfcl: How do you like team for next season? What do you think about the new reinforcements?

Eli Pinedo: I am very pleased with new reinforcements: Begona Fernandez is a great player also in the Spanish national team. She is great defence player and she will fit in Itxako perfectly. Silvia Navarro also has help in the GK position and playmaker Sissel looks like good player who can help out a lot in offence.

Ehfcl: Your twin-sister is Patricia Pinedo, Spanish international and player of Akaba Bera Bera. You play with her in Spanish national team, but you play against her in the Spanish championship. How is it to play with and against your own sister?

Eli Pinedo: I prefer to play with her than against her. She is a great player and because of that, I really don’t like to play against her. Unfortunately, we play for different clubs but that’s life. And I have to say that on court there are no brothers, sisters or friends. I adore her but when we play against each other my top priority is to win the match.