Foxes travel to Kiel with respect: "The measure of all things"
League leaders Füchse Berlin travel to record-breaking German Handball League champions THW Kiel with a lot of respect. "No matter how they are doing now. They are the champions, the measure of all things and of course they want to prove themselves against the reigning champions. Kiel is still the house number in German handball," said coach Jaron Siewert ahead of the clash with the North Germans on Sunday (2:04 p.m./Dyn/rbb).
Kiel has weakened surprisingly often this season. The defending champions have already lost five times in the league and are currently only in fifth place. Most recently there was a bitter Champions League defeat at home to Aalborg on Thursday. Siewert is therefore expecting a particularly motivated opponent.
"It's an extremely important game for them, but also for us," he said, referring at the same time to their strength at home "There can be an impressive atmosphere there. And apart from Melsungen, they have played their home games in a very, very respectable manner and often won very clearly," said Siewert.
Berlin's record in Kiel is also not very encouraging. The only win there came in March 2022. "You have to pay in again every time to be successful. We have to prove that we're right to be up there. That can quickly change again," said Siewert. However, the Foxes are still unbeaten in the league.
But the very heavy workload recently with the Club World Cup has taken a lot of energy. That's why there were two days off during the week. "Everyone has earned them," reported Siewert. And the injured players will not be clearing up any time soon.
Paul Drux, Fabian Wiede, Valter Chrintz and Viktor Kireev will all be missing for some time. And the hoped-for comeback of pivot Max Darj will also have to wait after he tore a ligament in his foot. However, backcourt player Max Beneke will travel to Kiel after his recovery break.
Füchse Berlin's respect for THW Kiel, the Bundesliga champions and historical benchmark, remains unwavered despite Kiel's unexpected league struggles. Despite their current fifth place, the North Germans are expected to be highly motivated for the clash, given their strong home record and recent Champions League setback.
Source: www.dpa.com
