Today MT Melsungen welcomes newcomers HSC 2000 Coburg in the handball Bundesliga from 7 p.m. We look in advance at the big and the small problems of MT.
Kassel – More than a month, handball professional Domagoj Pavlovic was not in the Kassel Rothenbach-Halle. His last appearance: at the Bundesliga home win of MT Melsungen on November 1st against Nordhorn-Lingen. Then he went straight to the Croatian national team’s course.
Spectators only: Domagoj Pavlovic.
© Andreas Fischer
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What he did not suspect back then – that he will no longer be able to step onto the playing field in the hall at the exhibition center so quickly. Shortly after his return, the entire MT team had to go into a 14-day quarantine – and when the Melsungers were allowed to play again, Pavlovic tore his ligaments in training and was out. He will be available to his team again in February at the earliest.
At the home game of MT today from 7pm against the newcomers HSC 2000 Coburg, “Domba” is at least sitting in the stands and keeping his fingers crossed for head coach Gudmundur Gudmundsson, assistant coach Arjan Haenen and his colleagues. Since the injured playmaker regularly comes to the Melsung practice units in the city sports hall and is already working on his comeback with athletics coach Florian Sölter, Pavlovic is still close to the team. “I talk a lot with Gudmi and Ari. When I’m asked for my opinion, I’m happy to help and give tips, ”says the 27-year-old. “It doesn’t matter who the opponent is on Thursday. We have to show that we are MT Melsungen. “
Live radio with co-commentator Andre Sperl
We offer a live radio and a ticker from the MT game against HSC 2000 Coburg from 7 p.m. today. On the radio, Maximilian Bülau receives prominent support from the former Melsung second division captain André Sperl. Frank Ziemke takes care of the ticker. www.hna.de
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Pavlovic hopes that the team will put on a passionate performance despite various worries and hardships – like at the end of November at 33:32 against Bergische HC. Before the game between North Hesse and Coburg we look at the big and small problems of MT:
The big problems: 1. The lack of breadth in the squad: After the failure of the Croatian Pavlovic, the backcourt is currently almost automatically: Julius Kühn, Lasse Mikkelsen and Kai Häfner. Stefan Salger and youngster Ole Pregler can only provide relief at certain points. With Pregler and Paul Kompenhans there are two 18-year-olds. “Ole has to take one step at a time,” emphasizes Gudmundsson. However, he promises the homegrown more deployment times for today. Especially since some MT players are battered.
Before further assignments: Ole Pregler.
© Andreas Fischer
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2. The consequences of the quarantine: The Melsungers took almost three months to prepare for this difficult season. It was designed in such a way that the team can get through December with good strength. However, the compulsory two-week break in November totally threw the team out of rhythm. In the offensive 6-0 defense, which is sometimes arranged more like a 3: 2: 1 cover, there is still a lack of compactness at the beginning of the round.
3. The opponent Coburg: Although the Franks are still without a point at the bottom of the table, the guests are definitely quality. “It won’t be easy,” warns Arjan Haenen. And Gudmundsson adds: “Coburg always has strong phases in the game.” Only the backcourt with Pouya Norouzi, Drasko Nenadic and Pontus Zetterman has to be considered. Goalkeeper Konstantin Poltrum is already a discovery of the first half of the season. “Against Coburg you have to play as if it were against Kiel,” explains defense strategist Felix Danner. At HSC, however, captain Andreas Schröder is missing.
The small problems: 1. The occupation of the external positions: If Gudmundsson is currently spoiled for choice in one area, it is outside. Because just as Timo Kastening and Tobias Reichmann can rely on the right, the left side also develops a high risk of goals. Yves Kunkel is currently ahead of Michael Allendorf. “If things go well for you,” Gudmundsson clarifies, “then of course I’ll leave him on the field.”
2. The attack game: 33 goals against BHC, 30 goals in Berlin – it is currently not so difficult for the Melsungers to develop and use opportunities. Only the number of technical errors is too high. (Björn Mahr)
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