Bratislava (dpa) – When Till Klimpke stood in front of the team hotel of the German handball players with a big grin, he could not know anything about the next Corona case.
In Bratislava, the young goalkeeper was still impressed by his strong performance in the 34:29 win against Austria. A few hours later, the next setback overtook him and the DHB selection: the second division professional Hendrik Wagner, who had just been nominated for backcourt player Julius Kühn, also tested positive for Corona. Like Kühn, the DHB selection will also miss him in the preliminary round final on Tuesday (6 p.m. / ZDF) against Poland.
“I no longer understand the world,” said Wagner, who had only arrived in Slovakia the day before. “I’m physically fine at the moment, but the last few hours have been an emotional rollercoaster ride.” After all, Wagner had not had any contact with the German delegation in the hours after his arrival. The PCR tests of all other players and the coaching staff were negative.
Klimpke hopes to start from the start
Whether national coach Alfred Gislason will nominate another player for the game against Poland remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Both teams are already qualified for the main round. But only the winner takes the ideal number of points into the next phase of the tournament.
For this, the DHB selection needs a brilliant performance from the goalkeepers like that of Klimpke in the win against Austria. The 23-year-old does not even know whether he will be in the starting line-up again. “Of course I hope that I can start. But I would also be very happy if Andi played a very good game and won the game for us,” said Klimpke. Andi, this is his goalkeeper colleague Andreas Wolff. Either way, the goalkeepers will be of great importance in the showdown for group victory.
Only the counters from this game are carried over to the second phase of the tournament. Therefore, the motto applies to the DHB selection: Losing forbidden! “I saw the anticipation and motivation in the players’ eyes as early as this morning at breakfast. The points that will be awarded tomorrow are also decisive for the ranking in the main round,” said DHB sports director Axel Kromer.
Wiencek: “Till is very special”
Klimpke could lay the foundation for this again. With his gala performance against Austria in front of an audience of millions on the television sets, he emphatically recommended himself for further assignments. “Yesterday evening I made many, many phone calls home. There were a lot of congratulations,” reported the professional from Bundesliga club HSG Wetzlar.
Practically overnight, he became the focus of attention on the big EM stage. And many viewers ask themselves: Who is this Klimpke? “He’s open, honest and helpful,” said veteran Patrick Wiencek, characterizing the EM newcomer, adding: “Till is very special – like goalkeepers are.”
Klimpke describes himself as follows: “Off the field I’m very calm. But in the dressing room I’m someone who tries to push the team and I’m also a little crazy.” And seemingly full of energy. Even at the media meeting in front of the team hotel, Klimpke could hardly stand still.
Gislason praises Klimpke
Unlike the opening win against Belarus, when Klimpke couldn’t get hold of the ball and had to make room for Wolff after just over ten minutes, the keeper with the blond curly hair was able to use his potential. “I’m really happy for the boy. He held up very well,” praised national coach Gislason.
However, the 62-year-old Icelander left open whether Klimpke would also start against the Poles. After all, Wolff has been earning his money at the Polish top club Vive Kielce since 2019 and is very familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of all opponents. “Of course Andi knows the Poles extremely well. There’s a lot to be said for him,” said Gislason.
For the national coach there is no number one or number two anyway, only a team of goalkeepers. And that harmonizes splendidly. “I have a very, very good relationship with Andi. We’ve known each other for a very, very long time and had the same goalkeeping coach,” reported Klimpke.
Wolff supports as an advisor
Wolff also once played in tranquil Wetzlar before he was hired by the German record champions THW Kiel. The 2016 European champion worked there with Gislason for a number of years. Wolff attested a maturing process even before the EM. “He’s grown up,” said the national coach about the bearded giant.
While the 30-year-old used to sit on the bench with a grim look when he wasn’t on duty, Wolff is now always at his young colleague’s side as a supportive advisor. “He helps me a lot. His tips made a few saves possible yesterday,” said Klimpke. If there are no further corona cases, both could even finally focus on the sport at the European Championship. But that will probably remain wishful thinking.
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