Juri Knorr is likely to be one of the faces of the European Home Handball Championship – the experts agree on that. The 23-year-old playmaker has experienced a lot in his career – not least off the floor.
The moment is now. “No matter where we play, it will be gigantic. I am very confident of that. The halls will be full. It will be an experience that you as an athlete may only have once in your life.”says Juri Knorr with shining eyes. It has now been more than seven years since Germany was last European champion. In the same year there was bronze at the Olympics. But the DHB men haven’t done anything since then.
He can do many things – including becoming an absolute world-class player.
Of course, that should change at the home European Championships – and Knorr himself has big plans. “I want to take responsibility, I want to be on the table and help the team. I want to contribute my skills in some way”emphasizes the 23-year-old, who has skills that hardly anyone else in Germany has.
National coach Gislason relies on his young playmaker
The experts call it “outstanding”, “world class” or “sensational”. And national coach Alfred Gislason, who called the Flensburg native into the national team for the first time in 2020, also thinks highly of his playmaker: “He can do a lot of things – including becoming an absolute world-class player,” says the Icelander in his usual sober manner: “But you also have to leave him alone a little bit so that there isn’t too much pressure on him. And you shouldn’t create too many headlines around him.”
Corona pandemic leaves deep traces
Because even if the 1.92 meter athlete Knorr comes across as a sunny boy with his long, street-dog-blond hair. Behind the public facade there is a sensitive person, thoughtful and privately reserved.
The experiences in the corona pandemic in particular have made him cautious. Back then, Knorr became infected with the virus early on and built up antibodies and had them checked regularly. After medical consultation, he decided against vaccination in 2021. “When I think about it, the feelings always come up about how excluded you suddenly felt from society.”Knorr looks back and adds: “However one-sided the perception was. What happened to me.”
At the European Championships two years ago, Knorr was in the extended squad, but was not allowed to take part as an unvaccinated person. Nevertheless, he still stands by his decision today, he tells the Sportschau. Reporter Hendrik Deichmann has Knorr for them Documentary “Juri Knorr – silent star on the big stage” hit several times. The film is available exclusively in the ARD media library.
Knorr was already playing for FC Barcelona at the age of 18
Knorr, for whom handball was part of everyday life from an early age thanks to his father, ex-professional Thomas Knorr, learned early on to make his own decisions. First against football (at the big HSV) and for handball: “In football, when I was 12 or 13, I really felt pressure. I didn’t know that in handball at that age. I had a better feeling.”
Then with his first big change: he was just 18 years old when he followed the call of the big FC Barcelona from his native Schleswig-Holstein. For the first time away from home, he quickly had to stand on his own two feet. In that one year he learned for life, by training and playing with the best handball players in the world but also for his career. He took his first Bundesliga steps at GWD Minden in 2019. In 2021, the exceptional talent moved to the Rhein-Neckar Löwen and made his final breakthrough.
Father Thomas Knorr proud of his son’s career
“I never really had to push him”father Thomas, who was also his coach until he moved to Spain, looks back: “He always had a lot of drive on his own and really invested a lot in sport. In addition to school, which was also very important to him.”
Yuri really deserves it. It wasn’t just something he was born with. He has also achieved a lot.
The 52-year-old, who became German champion four times in his career with THW Kiel, among others, can’t help but grin when he thinks of the typical skirmishes between son and trainer father. That his Juri has made it this far “He really deserves it. It wasn’t just something he was born with. He also worked hard for it. And then you’re particularly proud.”
Biggest success so far: winning the DHB Cup
Whenever the time is right, Thomas Knorr, who runs a fitness and athletic studio at home (motto: “Go hard or go home”), heads south to see his son play. He was also there live for Juri’s greatest success to date: In spring 2023, the Rhein-Neckar Lions, led by their playmaker, won the DHB Cup.
Juri Knorr holds up the DHB trophy.
And Juri Knorr is also increasingly making his mark on the German game in the national team. In the first few years with the DHB men, Knorr was by far the youngest. “I was often extremely nervous, I just wanted to do my job and not make myself bigger than I am”reports the 23-year-old: “But after the Olympics there was a change. And for me also a different role. I have a different status in the team. That was a moment for me to say: I’m no longer little Juri.”
Buddy David Späth sees Knorr as a role model
Now the young – or better: the even younger – players look up to him. Just like his friend and club colleague David Späth. “At his last World Cup, Juri played unbelievably. Even if he had one or two bad actions, he just kept going. That’s what made him stand out.”enthuses the 21-year-old.
Goalkeeper Späth knows what he is talking about – he himself became world champion with Germany at the U21 home World Cup last year. And the 1.97 meter man played his part in the title with numerous saves. He was also on the all-star team as the best keeper.
Awarded best young player at the 2023 World Cup
However, Knorr is at least one step ahead of him among men and was named best young player at the 2023 World Cup. And that despite Germany being eliminated in the quarter-finals against eventual runner-up France. “At this age, being responsible for an entire country in the middle is outstanding – and that’s exactly how I want to be”emphasizes Späth, for him “Juri is the best example of how to deal with responsibility.”
Juri Knorr and David Späth want to make history together for the men.
And the great goalkeeping talent knows one more thing from close quarters: Knorr hates losing. No matter whether it’s gaming on the console, a game of Monopoly or a match at the trendy sport of padel. “It’s always heated. I think I’m a pretty unpleasant player”admits thoroughbred athlete Knorr: “That’s my biggest vice. But I hope the boys still enjoy it and let me play along.”
The most important thing: despite all the pressure, don’t forget to have fun
At least on the handball field, no one will deny him this wish. Ultimately, Knorr himself sets the rhythm and tone on the dance floor. “I don’t always have maximum self-confidence. But deep down I already have the conviction that I can do well”explains the playmaker: “Sometimes your self-confidence is a little lost and then you have to dig a little deeper until you find it again. But the point is that I never forget why I’m actually doing this: because it’s fun and I enjoy it.” And the European Championship in your own country, this “once-in-a-lifetime” experience, should show the way to the title.