After the triumph in the Supercup, THW Kiel is going into the title fight of the Handball Bundesliga with an even broader chest. The self-confidence is huge after the successful season overture and the 36:33 win against champions SC Magdeburg.
THW trainer Filip Jicha spontaneously gave his pros a day off after the 36:33 prestige win against SCM. The first title is a done deal, so the Bundesliga can start on Sunday (4:05 p.m.) against TVB Stuttgart. “We wanted to show from the start that we want to become champions,” emphasized the outstanding Kiel goalkeeper Niklas Landin, who was honored as the best player of the game. Backcourt player Harald Reinkind announced: “We want to win as many titles as possible.”
That is the natural aspiration of the people of Schleswig-Holstein, who don’t want to show any weaknesses this year. “It will definitely be a tight season, people can look forward to that. We don’t want to make any slip-ups like in the previous season. We all have that in mind,” said line runner Patrick Wiencek, who warned: “We still have to do many things work.” Nikola Bilyk, the top scorer with eight goals, is certain: “It will be an unbelievable head-to-head race.” Because the defending champion from Saxony-Anhalt also showed on Wednesday evening that he is a force to be reckoned with in the championship race.
What is possible without Pekeler and Sagosen?
Last but not least, national coach Alfred Gislason believes Magdeburg is capable of defending the title. “They will play a very good role with the way they play,” said the Icelander. On the other hand, Gislason sees some problems for Kiel due to the long-term absence of the injured top performers Hendrik Pekeler and Sander Sagosen. However, THW captain Domagoj Duvnjak does not believe that. “Of course Peke and Sander will be missing, but we have a good harmony in the team. The newcomers suit us, we will have a lot of fun with them,” said the Croatian.
Jicha impressed from the first appearance
Jicha was very impressed with his team’s first performance. “It was a very good game at the start of the season in terms of quality,” he said. “I’m looking forward to an exciting season.” Flensburg, the champion of 2018 and 2019, and Berlin, who came third last year, also want to get involved in the fight for the championship. “The four teams that were last at the top can certainly be described as the favorites for the championship title,” says SG Managing Director Holger Glandorf.
If THW has its way, he will celebrate his 23rd championship title at the end of the new season. “This win gives us even more self-confidence,” stated Duvnjak.
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NDR 2 Sports | 08/31/2022 | 11:03 p.m
