Bob Hanning on Germany’s World Cup handball gamers: ‘They showed passion and coronary heart’

rbb24: How and the place did you watch Germany’s 26-28 handball loss in opposition to Norway on Monday?

Bob Hanning: Like many German handball followers, I used to be trembling in entrance of the TV and shared my pleasure. Unfortunately, it was not sufficient in opposition to the robust Norwegians.

In 2021, after eight years, you resigned as vice chairman of the German Handball Association. How has the connection and emotional state with the DHB modified since then?

It has been a really busy eight years at DHB. During this time, we had been in a position to utterly modernize the affiliation and flip it into a very fashionable affiliation. Next yr, we had been in a position to convey the European Championship and the 2027 World Men’s Championship to Germany. Now in the summertime, the World Youth Championship will likely be held in Berlin along with the ultimate. Of course, you’re nonetheless in contact with the individuals in cost, together with DHB president Andreas Michelmann. I’m nonetheless shut, however I’m not unhappy. But you may be shaking and becoming a member of the fever as a result of all of us love our sport.

What occurred within the recreation in opposition to Norway and additionally within the earlier video games while you noticed Germany?

The efficiency of the workforce ought to be considered in a different way. Before the Norway recreation, we performed in opposition to groups that all of us have to win and have high quality within the squad. I actually preferred our recreation. We performed nice handball each offensively and defensively, showed enthusiasm and coronary heart on the plate, which is excellent for German handball and now we have been properly represented by the workforce thus far.

And what’s totally different from Norwegians?

We deservedly misplaced in opposition to Norway as a result of we lacked physicality. Coach Alfred Gislason changed the goalkeeper to provide Andreas Wolf some relaxation. But it did not work and we needed to change our protection early. Although Juri Knorr was the one participant within the attacking recreation, we managed to vary the sport and even took the lead at instances. However, I lacked lightness and freshness. We will all the time return to Bergerud (Norwegian goalkeeper, editor’s observe.) failed as a result of we didn’t understand conditions the way in which we should always understand them. And while you virtually rely on the participant in assault, it turns into tough.

Your talked about Juri Knorr from Rhein-Neckar Leuven leads the workforce on the age of twenty-two and impresses above all along with his technical talent and recreation intelligence. Were you shocked by his efficiency on this event?

He as soon as once more performed for the nationwide workforce on the highest degree. In the Norway recreation, nevertheless, he made lots of errors within the ultimate as he now not had the help of his teammates. Basically, I actually love Yuri’s improvement and I’m actually pleased about it.

At the 2021 World Cup in Egypt, the DHB choice completed twelfth and is now within the quarter-finals. What do you assume has occurred since then?

The workforce transition was profitable. We had two very tough years with Corona and a few resignations. But I feel now we have an excellent combine and the workforce agrees to play with coronary heart and passion. The group of trainers led by Alfred Gislason additionally contributed to this. Many individuals are concerned and I additionally imagine within the surroundings underneath the management of Axel Cromer (DHB Board, Editor’s Note) works properly.

Paul Drucks is the one participant within the German line-up. He missed Norway due to a chilly. How do you fee his efficiency thus far?

I do not assume he is performed sufficient but. I used to be in a position to discuss to him once more. The workforce will go away for Gdansk as we speak. Paul is there. And in fact, he might assist the workforce in opposition to Norway along with his physicality each individually and defensively. I hope he can play within the quarter finals. He wasn’t nearly as good as we speak as he was yesterday, however I hope he performs in opposition to France.

France is an Olympic champion, a file world champion, filled with world-class gamers who play very bodily handball. How do you imagine the German workforce on Wednesday (20:30) within the quarterfinals?

To be sincere, the French are my favorites together with the Danes. Then there’s Sweden, who will host the World Cup of their house nation. Behind them in an prolonged circle is a bunch of Norwegians, Spaniards and a little bit of us. It will likely be very tough to play in opposition to this French workforce. If we play them 10 instances as they’re now, our workforce can win two video games, possibly three. We are clearly underdogs, however we do not have an opportunity.

Should Germany attain the ultimate, will you be there?

Yes, that is an absolute should. I might be there to see it stay within the corridor.

Mr. Hanning, thanks for the interview

The interview was carried out by Fabian Friedman for rbbSport

Message: rbb24|Inforadio, January 25, 2023, 11:15