Following the nail-biting 117th regional derby, SG Flensburg-Handewitt is heading into a week featuring two home games. The EHF European League kicks off on Wednesday against Fraikin BM Granollers. Tip-off at the GGW Arena is at 6:45 p.m.
It’s now been three days since the regional derby—and the draw that, given the complex circumstances surrounding it, felt like a victory. “We picked up a point on the road; the team showed character, had a good mindset, and was really focused,” says SG coach Aleš Pajović, citing some factors that positively influenced the mood during the first two practice sessions this week. His players now need to shift gears, as the competition and the opponent’s style of play are changing. Based on video analyses and general assessments, the SG camp is certain they’ll face their strongest group opponent right off the bat in the EHF European League opener. “Granollers is a good team, but it’s still very young. However, the Spanish do a great job with their young players. The boys learn early on how handball works. It’s not just one-on-one—they play very well as a team,” summarizes Aleš Pajović. When he talks about the two left-handers, Marcos Fis and Pablo Urdangarin, the SG coach feels a sense of nostalgia: “I once played against their fathers.”
SG Likely to Field 15 Players
No changes are expected to the SG roster. Simon Pytlick lost a contact lens on Saturday and was therefore unable to continue playing, but he is now back in the 15-man roster. Luca Witzke could rejoin team practice shortly, though he’s still awaiting a medical checkup. The young players aren’t expected to see action this time around, but rather against the opponents from Portugal and Romania. “I’m glad we’re playing at 6:45 p.m. and not two hours later again,” says Aleš Pajović. “Last season, we always had problems at 8:45 p.m. Now we want to be ready right away so it doesn’t get so tough.” The two points are meant to be the first step on the road to the EHF Finals in Hamburg. But first, the team needs to get through the group stage of Division E. The top two spots qualify the team for the playoffs, which will be held next year. There are still plenty of tickets available for the game against Fraikin BM Granollers.