Mock or Boo for Hanning: Revised Version of the Title:
In a disappointing turn of events, Füchse Berlin, the reigning German champions, experienced a tough defeat in their first game under new coach Nicolej Krickau. The team lost 32:39 against SC Magdeburg, a result that has sent shockwaves through the handball community.
The game, which was billed as a top-tier clash, turned into a drubbing for Berlin's handballers. The hosts struggled to find their rhythm, playing like a relegation candidate in parts of the game. This was particularly evident in the star player Mathias Gidsel's performance, who found himself struggling to score despite intense two-on-one situations.
Meanwhile, SC Magdeburg dominated the game, showcasing strong tempo play and capitalising on Berlin's weak defensive play. Sergey Hernández, Magdeburg's goalkeeper, was particularly impressive, making nine saves by half-time.
The turmoil in the team's leadership, following the unprecedented double dismissal of sports director Stefan Kretzschmar and coach Jaron Siewert, significantly unsettled Berlin's handballers. In a bid to rally the fans, Stefan Kretzschmar called on them to stand united behind the team before the game. However, the crowd heavily booed coaches Krickau and Hanning during the match.
The loss was a significant setback for Berlin's handball team, and the crowd's disapproval was palpable. Club boss Bob Hanning responded to fan anger, stating, "If you bear the responsibility, you have to stand by it." Despite a small comeback by Berlin, Magdeburg played on a completely different level and was celebrated as the league leaders by their fans.
The game reached its peak after the restart when Magdeburg extended their lead to twelve goals, marking a forgettable debut for Krickau as the coach of Berlin's handball team. The Foxes' nightmare week culminated in this defeat, with the crowd continuing to boo and jeer throughout the match.
Loud "Jaron Siewert" chants were heard during the game, echoing through the arena, as fans mocked Hanning by chanting "Without Jaron, there'd be nothing going on here." The loss serves as a wake-up call for Füchse Berlin, who will need to regroup and find their form quickly if they are to challenge for the title this season.
