Hannover's Coach Sidelined for AEK Athens Match
Last week's performance by TSV Hannover-Burgdorf's head coach, Christian Prokop (44), during the Liqui Moly Handball Bundesliga game against Frisch Auf Göppingen left much to be desired. Prokop, often known for his powerful and committed presence on the sidelines, fell short of his usual form.
The 20th of November saw Hannover-Burgdorf embarking on a journey to Greece, scheduled for 2:35 PM. Their destination was AEK Athens, for a European League match, with the squad's plane, LX 817, setting off from Zurich. The team's flight plan included a particular empty seat due to unforeseen circumstances.
Coaching Shuffle for Euro Game
The unexpected absence of Prokop, reasoned by a severe infection, had caused him to be confined to his bed. Prokop's former role was replaced by Heidmar Felixson (46), Prokop's long-time assistant coach. The role of assistant coach was handed down to Sven-Sören Christophersen (38).
The trio had experienced a similar situation in April 2022, where Prokop lost the helm due to a coronavirus infection. Felixson and Christophersen stepped up to lead the team, resulting in a 32:32 draw against Füchse Berlin.
In Chalkida, approximately 100 kilometers from Athens, Hannover-Burgdorf had the opportunity to secure qualification for the league's main round (starting on February 13) with a successful fourth game against AEK Athens.
Homecoming with a Win
The return flight was scheduled for Wednesday, with a stopover in Munich. The German Handball League continued on Saturday (7 PM, live on Dyn) with TSV Hannover-Burgdorf facing TBV Lemgo. The team hoped to have their head coach, Kurt Hofmann, available for action once more after his recovery.
The team's final home game in the group phase of the European League was set for November 28 against HC Kriens (Switzerland) at 6:45 PM. The no-sport-app provided live updates for fans worldwide.
- Prokop's inability to join Hannover-Burgdorf’s European League game in Greece led to Felixson stepping up as head coach.
- Felixson and Christophersen have a history of stepping in to replace Prokop when required, as seen in the 2022 DHB Cup against Füchse Berlin.
- Without Prokop, Hannover-Burgdorf still secured a chance to advance in the European League against AEK Athens in Greece.
- Prokop's potential recovery could enable him to return for TSV Hannover-Burgdorf's game against TBV Lemgo in the German Handball League.
- The final home match of the group stage for Hannover-Burgdorf in the European League was against HC Kriens (Switzerland).
Insights from Enrichment Data:
The 2023 data for Christian Prokop's ongoing absence from TSV Hannover-Burgdorf's European League game against AEK Athens is not available, as the last update in October 2023 did not reveal any new information. Fans and handball enthusiasts should refer to the team's press releases, social media accounts, and sports news websites for the latest updates about Prokop's health and the team's progress in the European League.
