Top teams don't give themselves away: Füchse Berlin struggle to win after heavy turbulence
The Füchse Berlin fought their way to two points.
(Photo: picture alliance / DeFodi Images)
The Füchse Berlin are experiencing a surprisingly turbulent week, with their first two games of the season relegated to the background. In sporting terms, the German handball champions are weathering the turmoil unscathed for the time being.
In their first match since sporting director Stefan Kretzschmar announced his departure at the end of the season, German champions Füchse Berlin avoided an early setback in the Handball Bundesliga title race. After some initial difficulties, the capital club prevailed decisively against Frisch Auf Göppingen with a score of 32:26 (16:16) and enter their top match against SC Magdeburg on Saturday as league leaders.
The Champions League winners, for whom Omar Ingi Magnusson scored eight goals, warmed up for the first highlight of the season with a comfortable 34:28 (17:10) victory against ThSV Eisenach. Like the two hot championship contenders, the Rhein-Neckar Löwen and cup winners THW Kiel also have a 4-0 record after two games.
Berlin only confident after the breakKretzschmar had announced his departure from the Berlin club in the summer of 2026 the day before, following a long-simmering conflict with managing director Bob Hanning. This apparently had an impact on the team. "We were naturally surprised, but ultimately we have to respect the decision and look forward," said Füchse coach Jaron Siewert before kickoff on the streaming service Dyn. Although Kretzschmar himself diligently signed autographs in the arena, he declined to comment on his decision. "Füchse Berlin were surprised by this decision and acknowledge it with great regret," the club said in a brief statement, adding: "The shareholders will now make a business decision on how to best shape the club's future in light of these developments."
The Füchse were particularly careless with their chances before the break. Their shot percentage in the first half was just 57 percent. After the break, the favorites were able to pull away slightly, thanks in particular to saves from goalkeeper Dejan Milosavljev, who saved 17 shots, and ultimately clinched the victory. Leo Prantner was the defending champions' top scorer with nine goals.
The Rhein-Neckar Löwen also showed no weakness, winning 28:24 (15:12) against newly promoted GWD Minden, and THW Kiel, who beat HSG Wetzlar 34:30 (16:15). Germany's national team goalkeepers excelled in both matches. David Späth in Mannheim's net saved 18 shots, while Kiel's Andreas Wolff made 15 saves.
Source: ntv.de, ter/dpa
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