"A very formative time"

The last practice, the last game with SG Flensburg-Handewitt—for Johannes Golla, it’s all in the past now. The 28-year-old spent eight years in the far north, four of them as the team’s captain. Starting in July, the pivot will be playing for MT Melsungen. The editorial team spoke with him as he bids farewell.

Johannes, do you still remember your first days in Flensburg? Your first preseason? Your first home game?
Johannes Golla: Lately, I’ve been thinking about those early days a lot. Things like the move, what the first practice was like, and what the first games were like. There were so many new impressions all coming at you at once. My wife and I were welcomed with open arms. They made it easy for us to settle in. I got my first taste of the atmosphere at home games during the Jacob Cement Cup. My first real home game was against Göppingen. I got some playing time, which wasn’t a given at all. I took so many positive impressions and a lot of self-confidence away from that game.

Your first season was phenomenal. The SG won the championship in the 2018–19 season with only four points deducted. You yourself made remarkable progress and became a key player and a national team member. Looking back, how do you explain this rapid rise?
Johannes Golla: It all happened faster than anyone could have expected. We had a few new players in key positions back then, but we were able to carry over the momentum from our first championship season and quickly gained confidence. At home, we felt what was possible with our fans behind us. Back then, I shared playing time in the circle and on defense with Simon Hald and Anders Zachariassen. I was quickly given a vote of confidence.

What were the highlights for you?
Johannes Golla: Definitely every title. Besides that, the derbies that were played at home—they were very dramatic but ended on a positive note. The derbies were often pivotal games filled with a lot of emotion. But the atmosphere at the home games in general will stay with me forever. For 60 minutes, everyone gave it their all together, and afterward, we talked a lot with each other.

How would you sum up your eight years here personally?
Johannes Golla: Both athletically and personally, it was a very formative time. My wife and I agree that we grew up up here. We got married, our children were born, and we became a family. These eight years in Flensburg have been the most significant part of our lives so far. Aside from the sporting setbacks—which did happen—it was a great time. In short: Flensburg, the SG, and I—we were just a perfect match.

How has the SG changed during this time?
Johannes Golla: A lot has happened. Everything surrounding the office, the coaches, and the staff has become even more professional and structured. I’m thinking specifically of medical care, recovery, and travel arrangements. The passion and love that have always been there among employees, fans, and sponsors helped us expand everything even further. I’m sure this development will continue in the coming years.

Were there also phases or moments you would have gladly done without?
Johannes Golla: The low point on the sports side was probably that one week in April 2023, when we didn’t play well in the Final Four in Cologne and were eliminated right after that by BM Granollers in the EHF European League. That was a bitter experience that was hard to come to terms with. In general, losses are never pleasant. Especially on the road, it helped to talk with the fans at the bus after a less-than-stellar game. Afterward, you could always look ahead with a more positive outlook.

You had the dream of winning another title with the SG this season. That didn’t quite work out. How would you sum up the last few months?
Johannes Golla: Within 14 days, we let slip our best chances to secure second place in the Bundesliga and win a title. That really hurt. Overall, though, I’ve seen positive progress. We handled many challenges better than in the two previous years. That was a step in the right direction, and the SG will continue on that path. I’m certain of that.

One thing that stands out: You’ve hardly been injured and played in every game this season. Is that luck or hard work?
Johannes Golla: It’s important to me to do a lot to prepare my body well for the physical demands. I’d like to thank the entire medical staff, who always managed to keep my body in top shape for the handball court. But of course, luck also played a part in my being able to play almost every time.

About a year and a half ago, the decision was made that you would join MT Melsungen starting this summer. What were the reasons?
Johannes Golla: The family situation was the deciding factor. If we could have moved the city and the arena 700 kilometers further south, we would have stayed. My wife and I had two very young children and no family support nearby. That’s why we decided to head back toward home—to family and friends whom we’ve seen very little of since 2018. Of course, there’s room for athletic development at MT Melsungen. But there is at SG as well.

Is the move to North Hesse already planned?
Johannes Golla: We didn’t leave right after the last game. We’re taking one to two weeks to say goodbye to everyone. The kids are still in kindergarten. We’ll have settled in Kassel in time for the start of the season with MT Melsungen.

20190609-IAJ_7354 — 2019: German champion.

Are you looking forward to joining MT Melsungen? Your new club has just won the first title in its history and will be playing in the EHF Champions League in the future.
Johannes Golla: I know a lot of people there who mean a lot to me. I’m looking forward to seeing them all again. Of course, I’ve also noticed that MT Melsungen has been doing great work for a long time. They also have a coach under whom I expect to continue developing as a player.

What jersey number will you wear in Melsungen?
Johannes Golla: It’ll probably be 14. My wife’s birthday is on the 14th. The number 4 is already taken in Melsungen. I only got it at the SG because it was available in 2018.

The schedule isn’t out yet. But you’ll be appearing at least once a season as a visiting player in the “Hölle Nord.” What will that be like?
Johannes Golla: My first games with the SG in Melsungen were very special because I knew a lot of people and was familiar with the routines. When I return to “Hölle Nord,” it’ll be just as special, if not more so. I’ll have to make sure I actually go to the visitors’ locker room. But I hope we’ll get to visit Flensburg before our first away game against the SG, even without a sporting event as a reason. We definitely want to visit our friends.

20191221-IAJ26633 — Sports highlights featuring different players.

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