As of: February 14, 2024 8:07 a.m
DHB Cup? Eliminated. Championship? No chance. After a pretty bumpy season so far, THW Kiel’s restart in the Champions League against last year’s finalists Kielce and the last remaining hope for the title.
After the latest win in the league at Bergischen HC (29:25), the THW entourage stayed in West Germany to travel directly to Poland for today’s Champions League group game at Kielce (8:45 p.m.). The meantime should be used for preparation, but also for fundamental thoughts. The home defeat against SC Magdeburg had shown that other teams were setting the tone on the national stage this season and that a repeat championship was unlikely to happen.
Further information
The leaders of the Handball Bundesliga proved to be too powerful. Qualifying for the Champions League will also be difficult for the “Zebras”. more
Pekeler: “We have to work on the basics”
“We have to work on the basics in order to play good handball again,” demanded pivot and defense strategist Hendrik Pekeler. “We have to make better decisions, become better at finishing and retreating – yes, there is so much where we can improve.” Coach Filip Jicha said: “We have started a long road that is filled with hard work and will be rocky.”
Direct quarter-final entry for Kiel is in sight
At least the THW fans really enjoy looking at the Champions League table. The “Zebras” are at the top of Group A after ten out of 14 matchdays – and they are three points ahead. A first or second place and thus a direct entry into the quarter-finals are within reach.
“It’s been a long time since we won in Kielce. I was still a player back then. We’re definitely not the favorites just looking at history.”
THW-Trainer Filip Jicha
However, last year’s finalist Kielce is also one of the closest pursuers, so the upcoming away game has the character of a key game. The THW last won in southeast Poland in 2011 and has lost all five guest games since then. After all, there was a 35:31 win in the home game last October.
Will ex-THW keeper Wolff become a factor?
At that time, however, Andreas Wolff was missing. The German national goalkeeper, who was in the THW goal from 2016 to 2019, was suffering from the effects of a slipped disc, but impressively demonstrated his class again at the European Championships in January. Last weekend he only had to play 20 minutes, as Kielce played happily in the easy 39:28 win at Azoty Pulawy.
“Above all, our defense was good, and this will be a very important factor against THW Kiel,” said assistant coach Krzysztof Lijewski, who used to be a professional at HSV Hamburg. The THW is expected to travel to Kielce with the best possible cast.
Further information
Match schedules and results of Group A in the Handball Champions League. more
At the elimination tournament from March 14th to 17th, the DHB selection can get their ticket to Paris after fourth place at the European Championships was not enough. more
Samir Bellahcene, who looks after the THW Kiel goal in everyday league life, celebrated winning the European Championship with France straight away. more
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NDR 2 Sport | 02/14/2024 | 11:03 p.m