On the challenge: SGL Langenfeld in front of the license plate derby!

On the challenge: SGL Langenfeld in front of the license plate derby!

Mettmann, Deutschland - The SG Langenfeld is facing a crucial moment! After seven games in the Oberliga, five of them won and two lost, the record of the regional league relegated team shows light and shadow. However, coach Dan Lingenberg and sporting director Dennis Werkmeister are skeptical. "We are clearly not a top team and the total favorite for the ascent," explains Lingenberg. And that becomes clear: After an impressive 28:25 victory against TB Wülfrath, the performance decreased after half-time, which raises questions. Fluctuations should not be underestimated in the fifth -class league, as the short defeats against LTV Wuppertal (29:30) and SSV Nümbrecht (28:29) show.

The big showdown

On Saturday at 5 p.m., the "license plate derby" is waiting for the table neighbor Mettmann-Sport. This could be the crucial test for the Langenfelder! Is it about returning to the regional league or do you stay in the chasing field? The goal sees the goal clearly formulated, while Lingenberg remains realistic and describes the team as "annoyed" and "stressed". "We have to play differently than in the past two years," emphasizes Lingenberg and speaks of the necessary changes that the team experiences.

The challenges are great: key players like Aaron Winter and Andre Boelken have left the team and the hierarchies have to be redistributed. Lingenberg, who came to Langenfeld from Hamburg, sees his task in analyzing the players and their dynamics. Werkmeister, on the other hand, sees the need to train intensively three times a week in order to be competitive in the top division. "In order to attack in the top division, I have to really attack in training three times a week," he demands. The hope of a victory against Mettmann is noticeable, because "if you win that, you can give the season a different turn," said Werkmeister optimistic.