Cup winner THW Kiel against champions SC Magdeburg – the prestigious Supercup forms the overture to the expected title duel between the two top clubs in the Handball Bundesliga.
With a win on Wednesday (08/31/2022, 7:00 p.m./live stream on sportschau.de) in Düsseldorf, the record champions from Kiel want to start the hunt for the current champion from Magdeburg.
“The ten-month showdown begins in Düsseldorf, the cards have been reshuffled. You have to come together to be successful. We can start with a good performance.”said THW trainer Filip Jicha before the duel for the first title of the season.
Wiegert: “Title of high value”
But Magdeburg is also hot for a win. “It’s very important to us. In general, the Supercup is sometimes neglected in other sports. But I see it differently: it’s a title for us! And that’s why we want to be successful right away.”said SCM trainer Bennet Wiegert.
Immediately before the start of the Bundesliga, the showdown will give both teams a first assessment of where they stand and a foretaste of the title fight. THW is considered the hottest contender for the championship, although Kiel will have to do without the injured stars Hendrik Pekeler and Sander Sagosen for a few more months.
Bundesliga coaches believe in Kiel
In a survey conducted by the German Press Agency, eight coaches or officials among the 18 first division clubs committed themselves to the German record champions. “Of course, all the conditions always speak in favor of the THW. The people of Kiel have the best squad, the best budget, the most spectators.”said Stefan Kretzschmar, Sports Director of Foxes Berlin. “You are the measure of all things and are the only ones who can declare ambition out of conviction.”
Even Wiegert sees the rival as a favorite, “because they have the most experience in the squad”. But that doesn’t mean that Magdeburg wants to give up the throne without a fight. The 40-year-old sees his team well prepared for the triple burden of Bundesliga, Cup and Champions League: “We definitely have a smaller rotation than other teams. I hope it can be an advantage to be able to fall back on a well-established squad.”
Jicha expects an exciting four-way battle
The new role and perception is not a problem. “I always wanted SC Magdeburg to be the hunted. That’s also an award for past achievements.”, emphasized Wiegert. Three club managers believe in a successful title defense of his team.
The SG Flensburg-Handewitt and the foxes Berlin were named as further master candidates. Several coaches like Kiels Jicha expect an exciting four-way battle between the top quartet of the previous season. He sees his team well prepared for this. “If someone writes us off, that’s a mistake”said Jiha.