Wiencek: "To play in Cologne was a big reason for my transfer"

In summer 2012 Patrick Wiencek arrived in Kiel. After becoming junior world champion and then called up to the German men’s national team, the line player moved from VfL Gummersbach to THW Kiel.

In his first season with the defending VELUX EHF Champions League winners, ‘Bamm-Bamm’ has already secured two domestic trophies: the German championship and the German Cup.

Now he is aiming high to fulfil his dream at his first VELUX EHF FINAL4 in the LANXESS arena, the scene of his Cup Winners’ Cup victory two years ago.

ehfCL.com: What are your favourite memories of the LANXESS arena?

Patrick Wiencek: It was the “living room” for important matches with my former club VfL Gummersbach. Of course mostly I remember the superb Cup Winners’ Cup final in 2011 against Tremblay.

We were down by eight goals, but finally managed to equalize and to win the trophy – incredible! A giant emotion! So my memories of the LANXESS arena are really good.

ehfCL.com: As you lived close to Cologne: Have you attended one of the previous VELUX EHF FINAL4 tournaments in the arena before?

Patrick Wiencek: Unfortunately not, I only watched those tournaments on TV and was very impressed by the atmosphere caused by 20,000 spectators, just breath-taking!

ehfCL.com: Was the opportunity to play attended by 20,000 spectators in the LANXESS arena one reason for your transfer to THW Kiel?

Patrick Wiencek: I am looking forward to be part of this event, which will be a giant experience for me. I already feel a huge anticipation, dreaming to raise this trophy.

Just look upon the list of those world class handball players, who never were part of this event. Now I am there and have the opportunity to play at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 – and even have the chance to win the most important trophy you can win in club handball. So of course this was one of the big reasons to transfer to Kiel. I would lie, if I said otherwise.

ehfCL.com:Your birth place is quite close to the LANXESS arena – will family and friends attend your matches?

Patrick Wiencek: I hope so; I would really enjoy seeing some familiar faces in the arena.

ehfCL.com: Your hopes for the semi-final against Hamburg?

Patrick Wiencek: To win, that’s all!

ehfCL.com: You are playing for THW now for nearly a year. Have you already absorbed this special spirit and mentality of the team?

Patrick Wiencek: We have a huge number of extraordinary players in our team, who also have an incredible wealth of experience. They know how to win crucial matches, they know what to do when it counts and this is what I am trying to learn from them.