The handball community is concerned about the fact that Tim Freihöfer is not allowed to go to the European Championships, but Rune Dahmke is. The DHB Cup quarter-finals gave the critics new fodder.
When the thrilling DHB Cup quarter-final between Füchse Berlin and THW Kiel entered crunch time, the decisive phase, Tim Freihöfer was there. Three minutes before the end, the 23-year-old left winger scored the important 30:28 for the Foxes. And in the final minute he took responsibility and converted the decisive seven-meter penalty. In the end, the Berliners won 32:30 and celebrated their place in the Final Four in Cologne. Freihöfer contributed five goals.
“That was extremely good”said Freihöfer at DYN. “My family and my friends have supported me in the last few days so that I can deliver such a performance here today.” Füchse managing director Bob Hanning also developed it through many discussions.
Hanning renews criticism
Freihöfer let it be known that it hit him hard not to have been nominated for the European Championships (January 15th to February 1st). Of course he was disappointed “But I’m an athlete and I accept that.” Rune Dahmke (Kiel) and Lukas Mertens (Magdeburg) are also incredibly good outside players – the two were preferred by national coach Alfred Gislason.
Hanning expressed sharp criticism of this. “Everything has been overruled here when it comes to fairness and content,” he told the “kicker”. On Thursday he sounded a little more conciliatory and said he had to respect national coach Alfred Gislason’s decision. At the same time, he stands by his criticism. “Tim has been playing at the highest level for a year and a half, has good ratings, is playing in the Champions League. Based on the performance principle, he should have been there.”
Dahmke was surprised himself
The fact that Dahmke was there despite little playing time came as a surprise to many – including himself, as he admitted on Thursday. “Because I was a bit lacking in the volume of activities. And Tim has been doing it at the highest level for a year and a half. But of course I was happy.”
Kiel’s Rune Dahmke warming up
Dahmke has only thrown at goal 26 times in 16 Bundesliga games, scoring 18 goals. For comparison: Freihöfer scored 71 goals in 17 games.
Only Reservist role for Dahmke
In the cup duel in Berlin, Dahmke only played a role as a whip from outside; Magnus Landin was given preference in his position. The Dane remained without a goal and missed a crucial throw in the final minute.
Gislason sits down Defensive qualities and routine
Gislason put together his squad primarily with defensive work in mind. “And Dahmke is probably the best defensive player of the left wingers”said the 66-year-old.
Added to this is the experience, the 32-year-old Dahmke is one of only three players from the 2016 European Championship squad. At the same time, Gislason is taking four players with him who have never taken part in a major tournament; Freihöfer (23) would have been the fifth.
Reichmann praises Freihöfer
Dahmke’s Kiel coach Filip Jicha said he could understand Gislason’s motives. He also sees every day how important Dahmke is to the team off the field. “He’s our captain and he’s doing an excellent job.” At the same time, Jicha expressed understanding for the critics’ arguments.
One of them is the former national player Tobias Reichmann. In his role as a Dyn expert, he pointed out that every team also needs a left winger who can effectively use opportunities up front. “Tim Rune has a bit of an advantage there.”
Dahmke is playing for a new contract
Dahmke’s contract with THW expires in summer 2026. The European Championships in Denmark, Norway and Sweden could provide an opportunity for self-promotion. “It can’t hurt”said Dahmke.