The Bundesliga is approaching the start of the season, and with the help of Anett Sattler, German handball expert, we take a closer look at the Men’s league. Who will win the league? Which player will stand out?
Anett Sattler has been working as a freelance sports journalist and presenter for over 20 years. Her passion lies in team sports, especially handball, which has been a part of her life since she was 4 years old. From 2009 to 2017, she covered both German and international handball for the TV channel Sport1. Since 2023, she has been part of the team at Dyn Media GmbH, which brings together all national and international men’s and women’s leagues on their platform.
Which team will win the league this season and why?
– Berlin and Magdeburg are once again the top contenders for the title this season, following their head-to-head battle last year. Both teams have the full package: outstanding individual players, a well-functioning team structure, the right mentality, and above all, consistency. That’s exactly what you need to become champion in Germany – consistent performances on every single match day, with no slip-ups allowed. Of course, the chasing pack is ready to pounce. Kiel, Flensburg, and Melsungen all want to compete at the top again. I’m also curious to see how Hannover and Rhein-Neckar Löwen will perform.
Which player will stand out?
– All eyes are on Mathias Gidsel. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he seamlessly continues his performances or even improves on them. His big goal: to be named World Handball Player of the Year for the third consecutive time. I’m also curious about Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas at THW Kiel. It will take some time before he can return to play after his injury, but perhaps this gentle reintroduction to the German league will make all the difference.
Which player will have his big breakthrough?
– Maybe he already had his breakthrough when he joined the national team, but I’m really curious to see how Marko Grgic will perform in Flensburg. Can he step into his new role and still deliver the usual level of performance? If so, that would be his big breakthrough.
I also see Lemgo and Gummersbach as teams that could have a breakthrough. Both have been working excellently and consistently for years.
Which player, team or event will be the most disappointing?
– That’s a difficult question because I don’t wish disappointment on anyone. The German women’s league, of course, starts with a major disappointment following the insolvency filing of HB Ludwigsburg. This is a heavy setback for German women’s handball and once again highlights a flaw in the system. The fact that this happens in the year of the home World Championship makes it even worse. I especially feel for the players, who are facing real existential fears just before the season starts.
What are you looking forward to the most?
– After nearly two months without handball, I’m really excited to be back in the arenas soon. Even after more than 20 years, the first games of the new season are always a major highlight. It feels like a little new beginning every time. I’m looking forward to big emotions, world-class handball, and surprising stories. Mentally, I’m also already thinking about the Women’s World Championship in Germany and Netherlands. I’m sure we’ll have a fantastic handball celebration, and of course, I’m hoping for success for our team in Stuttgart and Dortmund.