Before the majority of the team heads off to the national teams, the SG Flensburg-Handewitt has an important home fixture on its agenda: it aims to continue its recent run of success against HC Erlangen. Kick-off is at 6 p.m. on Sunday.
The kick-off time is certainly late for a Sunday, but it is significantly earlier than on Tuesday evening in Irun. At the analysis and meeting on Friday, everyone in the SG squad agreed that they would put in a much fresher performance in familiar surroundings and without any travel stress. "We want to step on the gas," announced Aleš Pajović. "Otherwise we'll be in trouble if Erlangen has a good day." However, the SG coach can only plan with a reduced squad of twelve professionals. The right-handed formation in the second row in particular has been thinned out. After Luca Witzke, Lasse Møller is now also out. This means that only Simon Pytlick and Marko Grgić are available for the center and left back positions. The first alternative is now youngster Thilo Knutzen. "He's learned a lot from our system in training," said Aleš Pajović. "We actually wanted to give him more chances this season, but things didn't go well in the EHF European League."
Sending an early signal
As in Irun, it is again an option to cover Kent Robin Tønnesen on the left side to give the right-back more breaks. In the last series, the SG won very clearly against HC Erlangen to open the season. However, the club from Franconia has performed very differently to twelve months ago. They have more confidence, better form and more shooters from the backcourt. They picked up a point against Magdeburg and also held their own for a long time against Füchse Berlin. "Nevertheless, we want to send out a signal in the first half-time that the points will stay here," emphasized Aleš Pajović. The aim is to go into the international match week with a good feeling. After that, there is only a short time until the next important task. Everyone won't be back until next Monday. On Wednesday, November 5, the SG will have to face TVB Stuttgart in the round of 16 of the DHB Cup.