Schmid fought his way through and not only gave the lions magical moments on the field, but also all the titles they have won so far. The Kurpfälzer won the EHF Cup and the DHB Cup once each, the championship twice and the Supercup three times.
Quiet criticism of the HBL
Schmid was always there as the pacesetter and chief strategist, who now says goodbye with a lot of gratitude, but also with warning words. “The Bundesliga is the best league in the world in terms of public image and perception. But I understand more and more why top players leave Germany. With its 34 matchdays, this league is a blatant hamster wheel,” he said recently in an interview with “Mannheimer Morgen “.
The league may need to consider reducing the number of teams. “If everything stays the same, the biggest players will no longer be under contract to German clubs in such large numbers. I’m relatively sure of that.”
The Swiss showed again this season that he can still keep up in the Bundesliga despite his 38 years. Nevertheless, he consciously decided to say goodbye – if not because of the hardships. “It’s simply time to go home,” said the father of two. Together with his wife Therese and their sons Bio and Levi, he wants to “put down roots” at home.
Back home
Schmid will first end his playing career at HC Kriens-Lucerne. The ingenious right-hander has long been planning for the time after his active career. Schmid wants to be a coach and has been conscientiously preparing for this for several years: “As I did as a player, I also strive for higher things as a coach. I want to get to the top, pursue the highest goals. I would like to join a national team or a top club one day work out.”
For example in the Bundesliga, where you will undoubtedly miss him, even if it was not a pleasure to play against Schmid. “I wish him all the best in his home country and I hope that we will meet again someday,” said Kiel superstar Domagoj Duvnjak, adding smugly: “But please no longer on the field.” And Schmid said goodbye with the words: “You always see each other twice.” Until then, he promised, he would be the biggest lion fan of all at home in front of the television.