2025-08-07 11:00

Our Swedish goalkeeper, Mikael Appelgren, has been reading a lot about his new club, One Veszprém, lately. He has already learned a few Hungarian words and is doing everything he can, not only to support Rodrigo Corrales as effectively as possible in goal, but also to be able to chat a little with the people of Veszprém.

Why did you decide to transfer to Veszprém?

As a handball player, I always dreamed of playing in the Champions League, preferably in a team that always wants to win and has a chance to do so. In Germany, over the past decade or so, I always wanted to get better and better, I came back from injuries and improved. My goal has always been to win as much as possible, and that's also the mentality at Veszprém: the club wants to win everything it competes in. I consider it a great success to be able to join a club with such a great tradition and to have the opportunity to show the fans what I can do. I know what kind of atmosphere they can create...

What was the main factor in your decision to change clubs?

I have been playing in the Bundesliga for more than ten years, and I felt that I needed a new challenge, a new adventure. It has always been important to me to train with the best, and in Veszprém I can work with the best players and the best coach, Xavier Pascual, in excellent conditions.

You said earlier that you know what kind of atmosphere our fans can create. Does that mean you've been to the Veszprém Arena before?

Yes, I played there once many years ago with the Swedish national team, and we also played against the Balatonfüred team about ten years ago, when I was still playing handball in Melsungen, and that game was also held at the Veszprém Arena. I'm really looking forward to returning.

What do you know about the Veszprém club?

Quite a lot, and not only because I have seen many of their matches in recent years, but also because my good friend Andreas Nilsson, played handball here for ten years. I always followed him and his team. Of course, I talked to him and asked for his advice, and he said that if I had the opportunity to sign with Veszprém, I shouldn't hesitate, I should go, because I would really enjoy it.

Do you know the current team and its results?

I think Veszprém played well against Magdeburg, but they just missed out on qualifying, but it was very motivating to see what this team is capable of. The players are not unknown to me, as I have played against them many times with my club and the national team, and I look forward to meeting them in person and getting to know them even better. In Veszprém play the pros who are the best in their positions, and it is very inspiring to achieve something good, something great with these guys.

Have you read about our rich history?

I know that the Veszprém club was founded in 1977, and I've been reading a lot about it lately and rewatching many of their matches. They have a great tradition and an amazing fan base. It's one of the most successful clubs in Europe, having won almost everything except for one major trophy: the Champions League. When handball began to develop spectacularly in Europe in the 1980s and became increasingly popular, Veszprém was among the best from the very beginning, and I think it's amazing that it has remained there ever since.

How do you think you can best help the team?

I gained a lot of experience in the Bundesliga and the Champions League, where we faced the best teams with Rhein-Neckar Löwen. I also played at the highest level with the Swedish national team. I think my goalkeeping style complements Rodrigo Corrales's well because, although it is different from his, it is precisely for this reason that we can form a great combination. Life has given me an opportunity in Veszprém, and I am motivated to show that I am still among the best! I will do everything I can to support Rodri and be as useful as possible to the team.

You said earlier that you would like to get to know Hungary better. Do you have any plans?

Handball comes first! I want to play in as many games as possible and win as many as possible, then everything else can come later. My girlfriend is coming with me, we'll be living in Balatonfüred, and if we get the chance, we'd like to explore Lake Balaton, but we're not just interested in the lake and its surroundings, we want to discover Hungarian culture, food, music, everything! Of course, like everyone else, I've heard of goulash and lángos, but I'm curious about more than that.

And maybe you want to learn a little bit of our language?

I'm learning Hungarian right now, watching YouTube videos to learn the most common words and expressions, but of course I need to work on my pronunciation. For example, I know that my name means "green apple" in Hungarian, but I would like to be able to communicate in Hungarian and at least have a short conversation with the people who live there in their own language. I can't wait to start work!

MEGOSZTÁS