The draw curse continues for Thüringer HC

One more goal and they would have made history – Thüringer HC had a chance to score the winning goal in the last attack of their crucial main round duel against Vardar last season; a goal that would see them become the first ever German team to reach a Women’s EHF Champions League Semi-final. But the match ended in a great anti-climax: a draw.

Still, Herbert Müller’s team already have the honour of being the first German team to win a main round match in this competition.

Following the most successful international season in their club’s history, the THC squad lost three of their most important players: Alexandrina Cabral Barbosa – who was awarded best Bundesliga player of the 2013/14 season – transferred to CJF Fleury Loiret Handball; defence ace and German international, Anja Althaus, grabbed the chance to fight for her third EHF Champions League trophy (after two in Viborg) with Vardar; and goalkeeper Maike März retired.

Besides some players from the club’s youth programme, the only transfer this season was Ukrainian international Yuliya Snopova, arriving from Craiova in Romania.

The loss of three top stars is not the only problem for THC – additionally, Austrian wing Sonja Frey and Dutch Martine Smeets had to undergo surgery before the start of the season.

The biggest responsibility will therefore be put on the shoulders of two players: team captain Kerstin Wohlbold and Slovak international Lydia Jakubisova, neither of whom could take part in the main round of the previous season as both were out with ruptures of their cruciate ligaments.

The return of these key players has helped make THC happy again, as did the Federal State Government of Thuringia’s decision to increase the capacity of the Bad Langensalza arena from a capacity of 1100 to 1700 spectators.

In line with what appears to be a new club tradition, THC were drawn in a difficult group for the group phase. They will face Vardar, Buducnost and Koprivnica – and not, as Müller had expected, Midtjylland.

Team manager Maik Schenk feels proud to be part of the EHF Champions League again after their fourth straight title in Germany (in 2013/14 they were the first team to remain unbeaten for an entire season), but knows their group is difficult.

“Unfortunately we are never lucky with the draw, so now we are again looking forward to facing the top teams in Europe and aiming for some points. We hope to benefit from the new playing system, keeping in mind that after the group phase we will definitely continue on an international level regardless of our final ranking,” Schenk explained.

“This group is nearly impenetrable, but still we are optimistic and full of fighting spirit,” says team captain Kerstin Wohlbold.

“We have proved in the previous season that even in away matches we can be on eye level with top teams. Our aim is to win at home and to gain some away points. Of course we will really enjoy facing Vardar and our former player Anja Althaus again.

“Also, in Buducnost we will see a well-known face, German international Clara Woltering, one of the best goalkeepers in the world. It is terribly hard to crack their outstanding defence,” Wohlbold concluded.

Three questions to coach Herbert Müller:

Concerning your objectives and your group opponents, what are your expectations for the upcoming season of the Women’s EHF Champions League?

Herbert Müller: Our previous season was fantastic, but we are clearly weaker this year, as we lost quality with the transfers of Barbosa and Althaus and the fact that März ended her career. In addition, we were again drawn in a hammer group with my personal favourites Skopje and Podgorica – I am sure that one of them will raise the Champions League trophy in Budapest.

But still, we will fight – and none of our opponents should think that it will be easy to beat us.

What does participation in the Women’s EHF Champions League mean to you and your club?

Herbert Müller: It seems like it should have become normal for us to be part of the Champions League, as it is our fourth straight season, but it is the opposite. To be among those 16 best European teams is definitely the biggest success for our small club.

It is a privilege for us to compete with these opponents and represent Germany and Thuringia on an international court. We are really looking forward to these matches and will tear ourselves apart to do justice to our fans.

Which teams are your personal favourites to reach the FINAL4 tournament of the Women’s EHF Champions League season – and why?

Herbert Müller: I truly believe that this season we will see a new Champions League winner – and this team will be part of our group. I dare to say that Vardar and Buducnost will face each other in the final in Budapest, though Györ will definitely make it to the FINAL4. The fourth participant of the final event could be Larvik.

Qualification for the Women’s EHF Champions League 2014/15 season: German champions

Newcomers:
Meike Schmelzer (1. FSV Mainz 05)
Yuliya Snopova (SCM Craiova)
Josephine Keßler
Victoria Gramma
Katharina Mack
Larissa Platen (all from THC youth team)

Left the club:
Anja Althaus (HC Vardar Skopje)
Alexandrina Barbosa (CJF Fleury Loiret Handball)
Maike März (end of career)

Coach: Herbert Müller (since 2010 )

Women’s EHF Champions League records:
Participations (including 2014/15 season): 4
Main Round (1): 2013/14
Group Matches (2): 2011/12, 2012/13

Other EC records:

Cup Winners’ Cup:
Semi-finalist (1): 2012/13

Challenge Cup:
Finalist (1): 2008/09

German league: four titles (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)
German cup: two titles (2011, 2013)