After his slipped disc in August, national handball goalkeeper Andreas Wolff is working on his comeback. The 32-year-old has his sights firmly set on the European Championships in January and the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024.
“I came back from every injury earlier than others expected. I trust in the rehab and my body, which is used to training, which is used to regenerating quickly,” said Wolff in an interview with “Sport Bild “. “It’s still a long time away, I’ll be able to do it again by then,” he added.
Nevertheless, he is currently cautious about setting a clear timetable for his return. “Unfortunately, I’ve found that setting your own goals and squeezing yourself into a time frame doesn’t get you anywhere and in the end only leads to disappointment,” said the former Kiel resident, who is receiving medical care in the Rhein-Neckar Löwen area.
In any case, a full recovery for the keeper of the top Polish club KS Kielce takes priority over a hasty comeback. “Basically, I want to get fit and pain-free and play handball again and do my job. In other words, to be able to lead my life again,” said Wolff.
If it isn’t enough to take part in the home European Championships in January, Wolff will be there as a spectator. Because he can also get emotional in front of the television.
“I’m a bully. I don’t get personal or anything like that. But I’m just as annoyed by referee decisions as others are. Or I get upset by players’ behavior,” admitted the Euskirchen native.
Meanwhile, fans can expect perhaps even better competition than at the 2019 home World Cup, said Wolff. “I think that the hype around this tournament will be huge. And that the association is working a lot to make it a great event.”
The European Championship starts on January 10th with the record games in the Düsseldorf football arena, where up to 50,000 fans are expected and a world attendance record could be set. The final will take place on January 28th in the Lanxess Arena in Cologne.