Veszprém CEO Csaba Bartha has delivered a strong message to the squad, warning that failure to meet season objectives could lead to serious consequences for both players and staff, this according to handbolti.is.
The Hungarian powerhouse has long targeted the EHF Champions League title but has yet to lift the trophy, despite reaching the final on four occasions (2002, 2015, 2016, 2019). This season’s group stage campaign fell short of expectations, prompting a firm response from the club’s leadership.
“The performance and results in the Champions League group stage were not in line with expectations. A club with nearly 50 years of history and tradition cannot afford such a level,” Bartha stated in an official release picked up by handbolti.is.
“I have to draw a line. It is now necessary for me to step in firmly – not in terms of tactics or training, but in terms of responsibility.”
Bartha made it clear that failure to achieve the targets set at the beginning of the season will have consequences across the board.
“As CEO, I have decided that if we do not reach our objectives, I will hold everyone equally accountable and impose serious sanctions. I have informed both the players and the coaching staff of this decision,” he added.
Difficult path ahead
Veszprém finished fifth in their Champions League group and will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the knockout phase, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
According to Bartha, the team now finds itself in a far more challenging position than anticipated.
“We still have matches ahead in the domestic cup, the Hungarian league, and the Champions League. We are on a difficult path because of our poor group stage performance. We are in a much tougher situation than expected.”
Despite the setbacks, the club still believes its goals are within reach, but patience is wearing thin.
“Our nearly 50-year-old club, with its proud history, can still achieve its objectives. However, I cannot accept that the work and results continue in this way.”
Bartha also hinted at major decisions beyond the current campaign if results do not improve.
“First, we must get through the season, and then we will evaluate based on the results. If we do not achieve strong results, we may have to make bigger decisions in the summer.”
“For now, I am putting pressure on the team – and if expectations are not met, there will be consequences.”