The EHF Cup in Handball : Füchse Berlin are planning a defensive bulwark at lake Balaton

Velimir Petkovic is not just well-known for its unconventional methods. In the preparation of the coach of Füchse Berlin get, for example, like the medicine balls out of the closet, also, in addition, his idea of a successful Handball is rather oldschool: good goalkeeper, an aggressive, poisonous, neat set of defense – then that is half the battle.

late Sunday afternoon has proven Petkovic now, how changeable, and he minded even at the advanced age of 62 years, remained. In the first game of the group phase of the EHF Cup against the French team St. Raphael the last Minute of delivery, as the foxes coach submitted the Green card during the competition court – time. His team has led to this point in time, with three goals lead, and had possession of the ball; the matter was, at first glance, it needed no further instructions. So why is there this hiatus?

"rhythm not find voltage

to build" "I have of course noticed that some have looked to the stands and the opposing coach wrong," says Petkovic, "usually you do anything Yes, because it is unfair." In the specific case of the foxes coach, however, had good arguments on his side: It was the goal difference in the direct comparison with St. Raphael, the strongest opponent of the group phase. "That can decide about the group winner and our starting position", says Petkovic, "that is why the time out was more far-sighted and perspective is important."

On Thursday can work, the Berlin to your European Cup prospects. Then you will ride to St. Raphael, the second of a total of six group matches in the EHF-Cup at the Hungarian club Balatonfüredi KSE (18 hrs/live at Dazn). For the trip to the Balaton Petkovic has formulated – in addition to two points – a clear objective: "We need to find our rhythm, and again correct voltage build up." The latter part is especially true for a team: the Defensive.

In the first half of the season the defense to Jakov Gojun and in addition to people, as well as the goalkeeper Silvio Heinevetter/painted Semic is one of the guarantors for the Berlin in the DHB's and women's EHF Cup qualifying hopes of a major title may have. was Least be open to the foxes revealed in this area, however, unforeseen weaknesses: To the Bundesliga starting in 2019 conceded in Lemgo 34 goals, three days later, it was against St. Raphael 29 counter hit. "We had some problems, that was obvious," says Petkovic, "that's why I became also a couple of Times louder than normal." The Coach attributes this fact, not least the fact that the Berlin a total of seven players had to leave for the football world Cup and not, as usual, in full team strength training. Defensive works in the football detail, you need fine-tuning and x-fold repetition in the Training.

Füchse Berlin in the EHF Cup Only flowers and bears, then a victory against St. Raphael

After all, Petkovic again in the foreseeable future on one of his best defenders. Left winger Kevin Struck, the defence chief of the U21-national team, on Sunday in the Bundesliga home game against VfL Gummersbach to auskurierter injury, as well return to the squad as the Swedish national team player Mattias Zachrisson. Against Balatonfüredi Petkovic will first need to figure out a Plan without the aforementioned Duo.