The start of the league season in Germany is approaching, and GoHandball asked experienced journalist Björn Pazen to share his thoughts ahead of the Women’s Bundesliga.
Björn Pazen is an experienced journalist who has covered handball for many years and has worked closely with the EHF in recent years. Pazen knows the ins and outs of German handball.
Which team will win the league this season and why?
– Borussia Dortmund, as almost all contenders have lost important players, mainly to clubs abroad. But nobody can know whether the new coach, Kay Rothenpieler, who has never coached a women’s team before, will be a good fit. In general, though, their squad and budget are the best.
Which players will stand out?
– Nieke Kühne will leave her mark on the league in her final season with Blomberg before moving to Odense. She is one of the last top players remaining in the league after Nina Engel, Johanna Reichert and many others have left.
Which player will have her big breakthrough?
– There are many German players from the new U20 World champions who will have their first major Bundesliga season ahead of them, such as Chiara Rohr, Marlene Tucholke and Jana Walter. I expect a lot from them, and some might even play at the EURO in December.
Which player, team or event will be the most disappointing?
– Despite having Herbert Müller as an extremely motivational coach, Thüringer HC will not be able to replace Johanna Reichert and all the others who have left. The same applies to Bensheim/Auerbach, as they have lost five of their starting seven.
What are you looking forward to the most?
– Whether champions HSG Blomberg are able to keep up with Dortmund, and whether former champions HC Leipzig, back after becoming insolvent nine years ago, can avoid relegation with their extremely young team, including four U20 world champions.