Berlin's Foxes Take a Hit in Kiel, Eyes Bucharest Challenge
Foxes Berlin hoped to put their first league defeat on the calendar as soon as possible in the German Handball League. "We must acknowledge this defeat. Kiel deserved the win," said coach Jaron Siewert after the 26:30 defeat at THW Kiel on Sunday. Mathias Gidsel, the star player, remained unbothered. "It's not a big deal. I'm confident we haven't seen the last of us yet," the Dane assured.
Following this setback, Berlin slipped to second position in the table, albeit barely behind leaders SC Magdeburg. "We need to keep pushing forward and improving," Gidsel emphasized. The team's once-potent attack, a highlight of the season so far, struggled in Kiel. "We encountered issues in attack for the first time this season. It wasn't enough today," Gidsel admitted.
Siewert and Stefan Kretzschmar, the sports director, shared their concerns about the team's collective lack of smarts, particularly in the first half. "We didn't come up with many solutions. We fell for exactly what Kiel wanted, for our half-backs to get to the center," admits Kretzschmar. Siewert voiced similar sentiments, acknowledging, "With an attacking performance like that, it's difficult to clinch points in Kiel."
A brief respite is all the team has before their upcoming challenge. Just hours after their retreat from Kiel, the Berliners were off to Hamburg and then Vienna, before their upcoming European League showdown against Dinamo Bucharest in Bucharest on Tuesday (6.45 p.m/Dyn). "We're aiming to make a significant stride towards clinching the group," said Siewert. However, the coach cautioned against underestimating the home crowd. "The atmosphere's intense, the fans are utterly lively, in a good way. It's going to be one tough away game."
Enrichment Insight:
Even without considering the enrichment data provided, it's clear that Berlin's away game against Dinamo Bucharest will be an uphill battle. Despite the disappointment of their league defeat, the Foxes are expected to bring their best to the European League stage, aiming to secure a precious victory on foreign soil. However, their opponents' passionate home support, coupled with any lingering effects from their recent setback, could put a significant dent in their plans.
