Handball Goalkeeper's Post-Match Rant
Till Klimpke, the Wetzlar goalkeeper, didn't just express his disappointment about losing the game, he also went after the DHB and the national coach in a scathing rant aboard the Dyn microphone after the match. The source of his ire? His non-inclusion in the 35-man squad for the home European Championship, commencing January 10.
The exchange began innocently enough with Dyn commentator Markus Götz (50) inquiring: "You're not on the national coach's list for the Euros and the 35-man squad, was it surprising for you? Are you very disappointed?" Klimpke, still relaxed, responded: "Oh no."
However, once he'd been sufficiently prodded, Klimpke unloaded: "I think you've seen very well..." There was a brief pause as he pondered his next words. "I think I have to be careful what I say now. There are a lot of clueless people in there. I think I'm right to say that now."
Götz followed up: "What do you mean by clueless? I don't understand that?"
Klimpke responded: "It's just a politically run handball club and sometimes you don't get invited if you don't look good or if you're the national coach's best friend."
Götz pressed: "You mean clueless people at the DHB?" Klimpke confirmed: "Yes, of course." Götz, once again: "But those are very harsh words of criticism." The frustrated keeper was dismissive: "Yes, of course." Götz, yet again: "So there's already a certain sourness there?" Klimpke brought the conversation to an end: "Definitely."
Alfred Gislason, the national coach (64), announced the 35-man squad for the European Championship on Thursday. If a player isn't on the list, they can't partake in the home European Championships that kick off in January. Klimpke was noticeably absent, and it seemed his less-than-stellar league performance at Wetzlar had somehow factored into the coach's decision...
Till's Response to Non-Nomination
Till Klimpke continued his media presence despite his omission from the squad, discussing Wetzlar's recent game on the Regio Sport Düsseldorf broadcast. Meanwhile, the 35-man squad included well-known names like Silvio Heinevetter (TVB Stuttgart) and Daniel Rebmann (VfL Gummersbach). The selection of these players, instead of Klimpke, sparked much discussion in the handball community. Notably, his criticism of the DHB continued to resonate within the sporting sphere, with Regio Sport Frankfurt, Berlin, and Central delving into his remarks during their broadcasts.
Gislason chose the following five goaltenders for the European championships: Joel Birlehm (Rhein-Neckar Löwen), Silvio Heinevetter (TVB Stuttgart), Daniel Rebmann (VfL Gummersbach), David Späth (Rhein-Neckar Löwen), and Andreas Wolff (Industria Kielce). Klimpke found himself left out.
Enrichment Insights
- Till Klimpke's career had seen significant recognition in the handball community. His non-inclusion in the European Championship 35-man squad was a major departure from earlier accolades.
- The European Handball Championship selection process typically relies on a mix of current form, team dynamics, and strategic considerations.
- Klimpke's disappointment and criticism of the DHB and national coach, Alfred Gislason, could have stemmed from various factors, such as his individual performance or tactical decisions by the coach.
- The actual response from the DHB and the coach would depend on the specific circumstances surrounding Klimpke's exclusion. They might provide a comprehensive analysis of the situation, including potential areas for improvement or specific reasons for the omission.
- The handball community would likely react to Klimpke's criticism, with fans, media, and other players expressing their views on the incident.
- The media would likely provide extensive coverage, featuring expert opinions, player interviews, and§ broader discussions about the selection process in handball.
