Thirteen days without a game—this unusual hiatus comes to an end tomorrow, Friday, for SG Flensburg-Handewitt. They face MT Melsungen at the GP JOULE Arena and aim to defend their second-place position in the DAIKIN HBL with a win. Tip-off is at 8 p.m.
Preparations for the next tricky match are complete. Some members of the SG family will be watching “live” this Thursday evening to see what the competition is up to. Füchse Berlin will face off against VfL Gummersbach. The showdown between the two chasing teams will impact the battle for spots in the upcoming EHF Champions League. Following the latest updates from Vienna, it’s clear that final clarity won’t come until June 14. But it’s also known that second place is a sure bet for qualification to the top-tier competition. “The best idea: focus on ourselves,” says SG Coach Aleš Pajović, looking for now only at the next opponent, MT Melsungen. The game plan: “Set up a solid 6-0 defense, transition quickly, and step on the gas—just like in Hannover or against the Rhein-Neckar Löwen.”
A special game for Johannes Golla
The break provided an opportunity to recover from a few minor injuries. Simon Pytlick is definitely returning to the roster. There are question marks surrounding the availability of Kent Robin Tønnesen, who missed the final training session due to a fever. Johannes Golla will definitely be there. The SG captain will play his final home game in an SG jersey against MT Melsungen. He left North Hesse in 2018 and will return there this summer. “I’ve always kept a closer eye on MT than other clubs,” says the 28-year-old. “After all, that’s where I grew up, and I’ve always stayed in touch with some of my former teammates.” He has noted Melsungen’s recent uptick in form with approval. “After the many injuries in the first half of the season, they’re now showing what they’re capable of,” he says. His own focus is on the SG. Johannes Golla has clear ideas about how he wants to end his eight years in the far north—with second place in the DAIKIN HBL and victory in the EHF European League.