- Flensburg-Handewitt from Germany initiates their journey with lofty aspirations
SG Flensburg-Handewitt Commences New Bundesliga Campaign with Confidence: "We possess the team and the expertise to compete at the pinnacle level," declared Sporting Director Ljubomir Vranjes during a press conference in Harrislee. Undeniably, capturing the "German championship" is the ambition, but progression is the strategy, asserted the 50-year-old Swede.
echoing similar sentiments, Coach Nicolej Krickau concurred. "One can only influence their personal performance," expressed the 37-year-old Dane, embarking on his second season as coach of the North Germans. "It's always about the subsequent two points."
The coach seeks to leverage lessons from his inaugural Bundesliga season. Regarding his foremost learnings, the Dane, assessing the league standings, commented: "It's not always the superior team or tactical strategy that emerges victorious. Sometimes it's a battle."
Finishing third in the previous campaign was a setback
While the Flensburg squad clinched the title in the European League last season, intending to defend it in the upcoming series, finishing third in the Bundesliga was disheartening, especially with a 12-point gap to champions SC Magdeburg.
For the upcoming season, initiating on September 6 (20.00 CET/Dyn) with a home encounter against HC Erlangen, stability and harmony within the squad will be the influential factors for the Flensburg team. The sole fresh addition to the roster is Danish Olympic champion Niclas Kirkeløkke. The 30-year-old left-handed player is versatile, featuring in both the backcourt and the wing.
Another new recruit is Patrick Volz. The 25-year-old joined from Bundesliga-relegated HBW Balingen-Weilstetten and was subsequently loaned to Danish top-tier club SønderjyskE HB. In addition, as assistant coach, they welcome club legend Anders Eggert. The 41-year-old Dane contributed to SG for eleven years. With a total of five Danish Olympic champions and German national team captain Johannes Golla, who clinched silver in Paris, the Flensburg management views the team as well-equipped.
Uptick in season tickets
An optimistic statement from Managing Director Holger Glandorf with regard to season tickets. The number of acquired season tickets has surpassed 5,100 thus far.
Men and boys in the Flensburg squad will strive for improvement, learning from their third-place finish in the Bundesliga last season. Under the guidance of Coach Nicolej Krickau, both men and boys will focus on their individual performances and aim for the subsequent two points in each game. Additionally, a new recruit, Danish Olympic champion Niclas Kirkeløkke, joins the team as a versatile player, capable of contributing in both the backcourt and the wing.
