While THW Kiel recently made a few mistakes in the handball Bundesliga, things have been going well in the Champions League so far. The record champions greet from the top of the table in Group A and can further build on their good starting point on Thursday against Aalborg Handbold. In goal for the Danish title holder: former Kiel number one Niklas Landin.
There has been a lot of need to talk at THW Kiel in the past few weeks. “We can only do it together, communication is the be-all and end-all – whether in defense or in attack,” said backcourt ace Nikola Bilyk. And coach Filip Jicha stated: “We are able to beat any opponent. But we are not able to consistently deliver good performances. Successes in the past do not bring victories in the present, because you have to work for them. “
The surprisingly clear 31:25 success on Sunday at the Rhein-Neckar Löwen was at least a reaction that the supporters had hoped for. An important signal before the Week of Truth. Because Aalborg doesn’t just wait on Thursday (6:45 p.m.): On Sunday (from 1:55 p.m. live on NDR television and in the live stream on NDR.de) the undefeated Bundesliga table leaders Füchse Berlin come.
Good chances of getting straight into the quarter-finals
While the Kielers are not hunted in the Bundesliga as usual and are only in the orbit of the hunters, they are the measure of all things internationally. They won five of the first six games in Group A and can have legitimate hopes of jumping straight into the quarter-finals of the Champions League as first or second after the group phase. The “Zebras” have never lost against Aalborg at home, but a year ago they only managed a 36:36 draw – against an opponent who has increased significantly in potency in the recent past.
The presence of the Danish superstar Mikkel Hansen alone speaks for this. Current examples of the North Jutlanders’ appeal include the return of pivot Simon Hald from SG Flensburg-Handewitt and the signing of Swedish backcourt player Lukas Nilsson, who was under contract in Kiel from 2016 to 2020.
encounter the Landin brothers
And then there is goalkeeper Niklas Landin, who looked after the THW goal from 2015 to 2023. Without denying the qualities of the current keepers Tomas Mrkva, who just extended his contract until 2025, and Samir Bellahcene: Landin’s farewell is noticeable.
“I achieved what I wanted with my career abroad. I played for the biggest club in the world, won titles and had some great experiences,” said the 34-year-old in the summer. Now there is a sporting reunion with his “dream club” – and also his brother Magnus, who is still spinning on the left wing of Kiel.
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NDR 2 Sport | November 16, 2023 | 11:03 p.m
