115 is followed by 116: The SG Flensburg-Handewitt travel to Kiel for the second time this week. On Saturday, things should go much better in the DAIKIN HBL than in the EHF European League. Kick-off is at 8 pm.
The SG lost 29:36 at THW Kiel on Tuesday. Despite the insignificance of the game, it was not a performance that was even halfway satisfactory. The disappointment at the performance was palpable. Less than 72 hours later, the SG's mood has improved considerably. "The feeling was really bad because we lost a derby," said Aleš Pajović. "But now the good mood is back, we had a good preparation. The team showed its true colors in training." The SG coach looks back on two training sessions in which a lot was prepared and many discussions were held. He praised the extensive feedback he received from the players. The famous tingling sensation, which is stronger than usual before a derby, can be felt. "Handball is very much a mental game," says Aleš Pajović. "We're staying positive, because nobody knows what will happen tomorrow."
The starting position
The Bundesliga showdown has been completely sold out for months. Points are at stake that could be decisive for qualification for the next EHF Champions League. Due to a reform, not only champions and "runners-up" will soon be eligible to take part, but also the third-placed team in the table. The SG, currently in second place, has the better cards with nine losses. THW are already 14 points off the pace after defeats at home to Gummersbach and in Stuttgart. It is conceivable that Elias Ellefsen á Skipagøtu will return for the "Zebras". "With his individual strength, the THW game would be completely different," says Aleš Pajović. "We are prepared for both possibilities." The SG can probably line up with a very similar team to the last one. Simon Pytlick picked up a knock on Tuesday and was substituted, but his participation is not expected to be in danger.