Flensburg-Handewitt Sets Sights High in New Bundesliga Adventure
European champions Flensburg-Handewitt are readying themselves for a thrilling Bundesliga campaign, filled with ambition and determination. At a press conference in Harrislee, Sporting Director Ljubomir Vranjes declared, "We've got the personnel and knowledge to contend at the highest level." And Vranjes wasn't the only one with lofty aspirations; Head Coach Nicolej Krickau agreed, emphasizing, "It boils down to personal performance."
With a focus on progress, rather than solely capturing the championship title, the 50-year-old Swede and 37-year-old Dane seek to improve the previous third-place finish in Bundesliga while leveraging past lessons. Krickau observed last season, "Victory isn't always about superiority or strategic prowess. Sometimes, it's a struggle."
Last season's European League triumph and third-place finish in Bundesliga came with a mixed bag. While the European title is set to be defended, the third-place finish in Bundesliga, a 12-point gap behind champions SC Magdeburg, is a reminder of unfinished business.
New recruits for the 2023 season include Danish Olympic medalist Niclas Kirkeløkke. A versatile 30-year-old left-handed player, Kirkeløkke is adept at contributing in both the backcourt and the wing. Sharing the spotlight is Patrick Volz, a 25-year-old forward who joins the squad from Bundesliga relegated HBW Balingen-Weilstetten.
As for coaching, Anders Eggert, a former club legend, returns as an assistant with impressive credentials. The 41-year-old Danish coach brought five Danish Olympic champions and the German national team captain Johannes Golla, who secured silver at the Paris Olympics, to the Flensburg roster.
Hitting a record high of 5,100 season tickets, the Flensburg squad is eager for the next challenge. With a rejuvenated lineup, Flensburg-Handewitt is determined to climb up the Bundesliga standings and repeat their European glory.
Additional Insights
Optimism and excitement are in the air as Flensburg-Handewitt gears up for their 2023 Bundesliga campaign, also preparing for the 2024/25 EHF European League Men. Accompanied by notable roster changes and a new coach in Kasper Christensen, former coach of Ikast Handball, the team aims to improve and prove themselves against formidable opponents.
As Flensburg is placed in group III, alongside heavyweights MOL Tatabanya KC and VfL Gummersbach, the team is eager to test themselves and demonstrate their prowess in tight situations. With high expectations and an upbeat attitude, the next chapter of Flensburg-Handewitt is shaping up to be an exhilarating adventure.
