Hendrik Wagner was in Bratislava for ten days at the European Handball Championships, a European Championship that he probably won’t forget in a hurry, even though it’s actually something to forget. On January 16, he arrived at the venue of the German team as a replacement for Julius Kühn, who was suffering from corona. Just one day later he had a positive corona test himself and had to isolate himself in his hotel room for a week. “I had no contact with anyone, I was alone in the room for a week. When we went to the game against Sweden, I saw the people for the first time and was able to say hello,” says Wagner of the bizarre situation.
Short assignment against Sweden after a week in the hotel room
Only in the penultimate main round game against Sweden was Hendrik Wagner used. But only for a few minutes. At least he scored a goal. But then the backcourt player complained of shortness of breath. Corona and the week-long isolation in the hotel room have left their mark. Nevertheless, he is satisfied with his short assignment: “First of all, I’m happy that I was able to have my first assignment at a European Championship and score my first goal. You knew that I was in isolation for seven days because I tested positive. It was relatively clear that I didn’t have the air for a lot of playing time. But I’m still glad that it worked out like this.”
Personal conclusion nevertheless positive
Hendrik Wagner had actually hoped to play in the last game against Russia. But it did not get to that. National coach Alfred Gislason decided not to take on the 24-year-old, mainly out of consideration for his health. Nevertheless, he has not regretted the time in Slovakia. “It was a totally crazy tournament. More players were exchanged than ever before, but you also have to realize that there was a lack of familiarity. I think we gave our all in terms of fighting and morale, and that’s why you can come out of the tournament positive ‘ was Wagner’s conclusion.
Again full commitment for the owls
From a health point of view, Wagner does not believe that the corona infection will last long. He attributes the shortness of breath in the Sweden game to the forced passivity in the hotel room. Now he wants to focus again on his assignments in the second division for the owls. “Tomorrow I’ll be back in training, trying to slowly get in shape, get my stamina up to scratch and then we’ll try to attack again with the owls in the second half of the season. We still have a lot ahead of us,” said Wagner again fully motivated.
Destination EM in Germany
Participating in the European Championship could still help him in the medium and long term. The experiences in Bratislava weld together, he is now part of it and hopes for more chances with the national team, especially with a view to the next European Championships, which will then take place in Germany. “I give everything for it, I train a lot for it. My next step is coming and I hope that everything will fit and that I can go to a tournament again in the future,” is his perspective.
For now, however, Wagner is happy to be back in Germany. In any case, his handball career has been enriched by an unusual chapter.
SWR
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Status: 01/26/2022, 19:01