"SG is the club closest to my heart"

Shortly before the end of his time with SG Flensburg-Handewitt, Kevin Møller sat down for an interview. The goalkeeper grabbed a coffee and was ready to talk. The conversation focused on his nine years with his “favorite club” and a look ahead.

Kevin, when did you first realize that your time with the SG would soon be coming to an end?
Kevin Møller: As we were driving home from the EHF European League quarterfinals in Hanover, it really hit me that it was coming to an end. Reflecting on the day, I realized we’d achieved a major goal. Then, when I thought about how I only had a few more games left with SG, my heart started racing on the bus.

After the summer break, you’ll be in goal for GOG. What was the deciding factor behind this move?
Kevin Møller: It was a decision for the family. The opportunity for a move had come up, and my wife and I talked about it for a very long time. It was a difficult decision, and it still feels that way, but the timing was right.

Have you already planned the move?
Kevin Møller: Not exactly yet. There’s still some time, since we won’t be leaving until the end of June. But we’ve already decided where we’re going: We’ve bought a house in Svendborg.

Will GOG have a strong team next season?
Kevin Møller: I expect GOG to close the gap on Aalborg. The core of the team is staying together, and some of the new signings look promising. Plus, GOG always has a few young players who aren’t that experienced yet but then make a big leap in their development.

GOG will be playing in the EHF European League next season...
Kevin Møller: Hopefully GOG will end up in the same group as SG. That would be absolutely amazing for me personally.

That would be really great. Will we see you in Flensburg more often, even without a European Cup highlight like that?
Kevin Møller: I really hope I’ll have enough time to stop by the games and be part of the “eighth man.” Kind of like in the old days. When I spotted a scarf from 1997 in the fan section at the little celebration in Hanover, it reminded me of how, as a little boy, I used to cheer on the SG at the Fördehalle with that very same European Cup edition.

Let’s take a look back: Do you remember your first day with the SG in the summer of 2014?
Kevin Møller: Yes, very clearly. We met at Ljubomir Vranjes’s house the evening before the first day of training. We were having a barbecue, and the World Cup final was on. Suddenly, I found myself in a room with so many world-class players, almost all of whom had just won the EHF Champions League and reached the pinnacle of their careers. Surrounded by all these handball legends, I felt like a little kid.

What was your first game for the SG?
Kevin Møller: The first one was a friendly at the Wikinghalle against Mors-Thy. Dane Sijan was in goal for the other team, and I got to play for 30 minutes. I don’t remember the first home game at “Hölle Nord” at all. I was in the game for only a very short time, if at all. I can still remember the first away game in Magdeburg. I came in during the second half to give Mattias Andersson a break, didn’t have a good run, and was soon subbed out again.

20141204-IAJ_5079 — 2014: Suddenly among the world's best players.

The highlight of the first four years was definitely the 2018 championship…
Kevin Møller: From a sporting perspective, it was definitely the championship and the 2015 DHB Cup. But there were also a lot of great moments in this awesome team off the court. We always treated each other with a lot of respect. It must have been during my second season, when I was barely getting any playing time, and I once left the locker room looking a bit down. At least Thomas Mogensen came running after me to ask if everything was okay. This example might be a bit unusual, but it shows what the SG family is all about.

You took a three-year break from your SG career to play for FC Barcelona. Looking back, how do you assess that period?
Kevin Møller: Even from today’s perspective, I see the move as the right decision and have no regrets. I learned a lot at FC Barcelona and won the EHF Champions League. I wouldn’t be the same Kevin if I’d played for SG continuously since 2014. I don’t dwell on the fact that I wasn’t with SG for three years. I’m very proud to have been able to play for the club closest to my heart for a total of nine years.

We’ve talked a lot about great memories. Were there any low points, too?
Kevin Møller: We missed out on Final Fours, lost finals in the DHB Cup, and blew championships. Ultimately, though, even the low points help a team grow. Lows, just like highs, are simply part of the sport.

Who or what will you miss the most?
Kevin Møller: First and foremost, the whole atmosphere surrounding the club. It feels like a family. I won’t be coming to SG practices anymore, and I won’t get to experience the thrill of walking into “Hell North” as part of the home team.

20220327-IAJ29121 — 2021: Teaming up with Benjamin Burić.

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