On Wednesday, the Eurobasket of the women begins in Hamburg, where the German team wants to get a medal. Wouldn’t it be the numerous failures. All hopes therefore rest on the shoulders of Leonie Fiebich and Luisa Geiselsöder.
The long -awaited reunion with the national team was only on Sunday, because until a week ago Leonie Fiebich and Luisa Geiselsöder played in front of thousands of spectators in the USA. But now the squad is complete. Since the end of May, the DBB women have been preparing for the upcoming Eurobasket (June 18-29), whose group phase takes place in Hamburg. Only were missing with the two WNBA-players still the last pieces of the puzzle.
Some of the team were somehow, but somehow, also thanks to recorded training sessions. “I’m pretty good Up to datealso because I tried to keep as much contact as possible to the team “so Fiebich opposite the sports show. However, there is still a lot to do until the first game against Sweden (June 19). “In itself, however, you can see how much everyone is in the mood to rock it together and just have fun.”
One deep blow after the other
The team of national coach Lisa Thomaidis had to accept one deep strike after another in preparation. First Satou Sabally, who is generally considered Germany’s best player, said her European Championship participation in order to concentrate on the parallel WNBA season. Afterwards captain Marie Gülich tore the cruciate ligament in the friendly against the Czech Republic, a little later Nyara Sabally, teammate of Fiebich in new Yorkback because of knee scabies. When Alina Hartmann injured himself in the test game against Belgium on the meniscus, there was only an incredulous shake of the head.
Now there are hopes for Fiebich and Geiselsöder. Both have been playing for the national team for years, were part of the European Championship squad, which with a sixth place in 2023 made it possible to participate in the historical Olympic participation last year. Especially Fiebich has developed into a star since then – in this country and in the USA. After their sensational title gain in the WNBA New York Liberty It has become an integral part of their Starting Five, the team won all nine games of the still young season until their departure. Geiselsöder, on the other hand, has only been playing in the US professional league since this year, but has already been in the regular formation of the Dallas Wings done.
Fiebich and Geiselsöder with more responsibility
“It is a bit bewitched and everything does not run the way we imagined it”admits Fiebich. “We have to compensate for the failures. We all have to move together a piece, no single player can take over.” It is all the more important for the team spirit. “This ‘take every step for the other’, that’s what will drive us forward and make us successful”the wing player is safe, without which three of the four test games were lost.
Irina Gnep, Sportschau, June 17, 2025 1:47 p.m.
At the same time, the 25-year-old is aware that there will now be more responsibility on her and Geiselsöder’s shoulders. “But this is nothing new for us. We have already experienced so much together. That’s why we are happy that we are there in pairs because we know each other so well. We definitely get that.” In addition, the DBB women can count on the moral support of Marie Gülich, which will be with the team despite injury in Hamburg. “This is super important. We also want to give one hundred percent for Marie.”
Take the offspring by the hand
However, Geiselsöder and Fiebich are not the only “old hands” in the current EM squad. Jennifer Crowder, Emily Bessoir as well as Romy Bär and the German champion with Keltern, Alex Wilke, also bring the necessary experience to the floor. Your first Eurobasket play against it Alexis Peterson and Frieda Bühner. While the latter shone with 30 points in the test game against Turkey, Peterson, who received the German passport shortly before the Olympic Games, is an integral part of the playmaker position.
Irina Gnep, Sportschau, June 17, 2025 1:31 pm
At least the youngsters benefit from the numerous failures at this European Championship. With Hilke Feldrappe, Emma Eichmeyer, Clara Bielefeld and Jessika Schiffer, several new faces made it into the team. It is a privilege, according to Fiebich, to gain experience directly at such a high level. Another task to accompany them. “For us, the focus is on taking these players on hand and showing how everything works. We have not yet played 100 Eurobaskets and are still young, but our experience will definitely help us”says Fiebich with a grin.
Medal dream despite many failures
However, one thing is certain: reaching the quarter -finals in Piraeus, where the main round is played, it has not become easier. A difficult group is waiting with Sweden, Great Britain and Spain, and the failures do her. If the team firmly targeted a medal a few weeks ago, you now have the role of the underdog. According to Fiebich, this would not change the project. “Getting a medal is still the big goal, but I think the pressure is not that big anymore.”
Irina Gnep, Sportschau, June 17, 2025 1:30 p.m.
Should it not go so well in the group phase, Fiebich hopes for the home advantage. “Of course we hope that the fans become our sixth wife, push us when necessary and give us a little tailwind”according to 31 times the national player. On the other hand, Fiebich does not need an extra push, which – unlike their national team colleagues – had no break between League and Eurobasket. But that is not an excuse not to be able to deliver. “I’m not the only one with this double burden. Now only focus on ‘Who is the next opponent?’ and ‘How can we win?’