Bratislava (dpa) – Kai Häfner was almost a little uncomfortable with the many congratulations and hymns of praise after his gala appearance at the European Championship opening victory of the German handball team against Belarus.
“Of course, when you play a game like that, you get a lot more news than after a bad game. That’s part of the business,” said the backcourt player the day after the win: “You can’t boil that up. I’m a couple now too years and knows that tomorrow it can look different again and then people will talk about you differently.”
Of course, nobody in the DHB selection hopes for that, which can also use a Häfner in top form in the second European Championship preliminary round game against Austria this Sunday (6 p.m. / ARD). “It is very important that with Kai we have someone who has now taken on a new role in this team reform and is advancing,” emphasized DHB sports director Axel Kromer.
After a weak Bundesliga season 2020/21 with MT Melsungen and the messed up Olympic Games with the national team last summer, this was not necessarily to be expected. Especially since Häfner needed a start-up time this season – also because of a few complaints. When national coach Alfred Gislason initiated the personnel change in November, the 2016 European champion was not there. “He was undergoing therapy for his shin at that time,” Gislason said.
Things are going well at Häfner
Now things are going really smoothly at Häfner. The 32-year-old was the best German thrower with eight goals in the victorious EM dress rehearsal against France. He got the same odds against Belarus and often put his team-mates to good use. Even Gislason raved about it. “Kai played absolutely outstanding in my eyes. Not only his number of goals, but also the number of his assists were very good. That was probably the best game I’ve ever seen from him – and I’ve seen a few games,” said the otherwise rather reserved Icelander almost euphoric.
Kromer was also enthusiastic about the performance of the married father: “What Kai showed in attack and the calm that he radiated was top notch.” Häfner himself was able to classify the eulogies well. “I’ve been able to experience it a few times in the other direction, so it was pleasant now,” he said with a smile.
“Blooming right now”
The fact that he is currently able to fully exploit his offensive strengths is also due to a tactically clever move by the national coach. He now regularly puts Häfner on the outside in defense, where the cover work is not that intensive. “Of course that helps me, because you can rest a little more,” said Häfner. Christoph Steinert does the dirty work for him. “Kai is really blossoming now,” stated Gislason.
This not only pleases the national coach and the team, but also the family at home. “My little one (one and a half years old / editor’s note) was allowed to stay awake. He even got a jersey that he no longer wants to take off,” reported the proud dad. It will probably be the same for the Austria game on Sunday. “I hope that we’ll get the next two points there,” said Häfner.
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