Handball Bundesliga - Potsdam's handballers optimistic: 'We can only win'
VfL Potsdam newcomers begin preparations for the first season in Handball Bundesliga with confidence. "We can only win," said business manager Frank von Behren at the club's media event. "It will be tough, but we have a well-prepared team and a good squad – I'm looking forward to what's coming."
Backup player Maxim Orlov shares the same optimism. "What has grown here is special. This spirit, this young, carefree – that's probably not often the case, and that was our recipe for success so far," said the 22-year-old, who is part of the core of players who made their way from the youth system through the third league to the top tier. "If we bring back the same energy, we can certainly annoy some of the established teams and make it into the middle of the table."
Training start without a coach
The Brandenburgers begin team training on July 18th after the mandatory medical check-ups. Following this, there is a training camp in Schaffhausen and a test match tournament with cooperation partner and league rival Füchse Berlin, as well as Danish European League representative Bjerringbro-Silkeborg from August 15th to 17th in Potsdam. The first league match is on August 23rd in the first round of the DHB-Pokals against HC Empor Rostock.
Currently, Frederik Höler, Marvin Siemer, and Nicolas Paulnsteiner are missing from the squad, who are still in action at the U20 European Championship in Slovenia until July 21st. The team also lacks their new coach Emir Kurtagic. The 44-year-old is currently coaching the German U18 team, which participates in the EM in Montenegro from August 7th to 18th. Until then, Bob Hanning, who has led the team since 2021, will remain in charge.
The Handball Bundesliga is the stage where VfL Potsdam's newcomers will commence their first season with confidence, as expressed by business manager Frank von Behren. This high-level competition is taking place in Germany, the homeland of VfL Potsdam's handball team. During their preparations, they will participate in a training camp and a test match tournament in Potsdam, which includes Füchse Berlin and Bjerringbro-Silkeborg.
