Zintel before duel against old colleagues: HSG Nordhorn under pressure!

Zintel before duel against old colleagues: HSG Nordhorn under pressure!

On Sunday, HSG Nordhorn-Lingen and ASV Hamm-Westfalen face each other in the Emsland. For Björn Zintel, who changed from Hamm to Nordhorn in the summer, this duel becomes particularly emotional because he meets old teammates. Despite the gratifying personal connection, Zintel and his new team are not a good atmosphere, because the season started anything but successful. With only 3: 9 points, the HSG is far behind the expectations in the table.

Summer was exciting for Zintel: he celebrated his wedding with many friends from the handball scene, including some former colleagues from ASV. Nevertheless, the anticipation for the upcoming game is shaped by a certain severity. "We both suffer from a false start and urgently need to collect points," explains the 28-year-old. The ASV beat a little better with 6: 6 points, but it is also far from its requirements.

Talks and experienced experience

Despite the difficulties in the current season, the telephone connections between Zintel and its former teammates remain vivid. "We talk often, but not always about the game," he explains. "It is primarily about personal things. Sporty topics are only discussed occasionally." However, this carefree is overlaid by the explosive of the game, since both teams are in a critical phase. Another setback could have serious consequences for the morality and motivation of both teams.

However, the challenges of the HSG go beyond the points in the table. The team has strengthened with well-known players such as the former Croatian U19 world champion Luka Sokolic and goalkeeper Christian van der Merwe, but there are great uncertainties in the squad. Zintel describes the psychological constitution of the team as "unsettled". "It is not easy if you come together again and are under pressure," continued Zintel. "Harmony takes time."

Expectations and reality

The expectations were always high in Nordhorn. The pressure on coach Mark Bult and his team is enormous, especially after the ruinous results in the last games. "The fans hope for a quick turnaround," says Zintel. At the same time, he emphasizes that you have understanding of the situation in the area and keep calm. "Here you evaluate the situation differently. I often heard elsewhere that business should be given up," he shakes his head.

Despite the negative experiences in the team and the ongoing difficulties, Zintel does not want to overestimate the pressure. "As quickly as we seem to start, some things can go better again," he says optimistically. The team in Hamm also has its own injury problems, which can affect performance. "This always makes an encounter unpredictable. Sometimes players who normally do not stand on the floor can make up the difference," Zintel is convinced.

The ASV's wasted injured team, including with Tom Jansen and Jakub Sterba, was able to train only to a limited extent this week. Coach Michael Hegemann therefore looks with doubts, but also with hope for Sunday. "Every game is crucial for our own style. No matter whether we are doing well or not - we have to hope for the best," said Hegemann.

Regardless of the current situation, it is important to collect the necessary points on Sunday. "We have both teams that have nothing to lose and will try everything. That makes it exciting," Zintel summarizes the atmosphere in front of the duel.