The hope of Flensburg: Ljubomir Vranjes

Last Firday, the Champions League trophy was the main attraction in the Holmpassage of Flensburg. The passers by made a photo with the treasure. Sunday evening, right after the end of the first match, the trophy was on its way to Kiel, to the Headquarters of Provinzial. “It will come back soon,” wondered some SG Flensburg-Handewitt fans despite the 28:28 home draw against THW Kiel.

For the principle of hope in the coming days this will work hard in the next days in the Duburghalle. Kiel will meet a Flensburg in perfect condition: 14 players in top form. Caoch Kent-Harry Andersson can allow his team to play very normal handball: seven against seven.

“On Tuesday and Wednesday we will train hard and then it will be calm,” says the good-humoured assistant coach, Jan Paulsen.

There is only one player who is training a bit less: Blazenko Lackovic. His outer meniscus injury in his right knee makes him cautious. His operation is scheduled for Tuesday. The Final of the Champions League is not the highlight of the season for the Croatian, but the end of it. “We must not keep thinking about the opponent, we must concentrate on our own game,” says Blazenko Lackovic. „If we do so, we have a chance.

Vranjes back from suspension

He looks at Ljubomir Vranjes with a smile on his face as he takes a drink: “He is the guarantee that we will be quick.” The small Swedish playmaker was banned from the first match because of a red card. He is the hope of Flensburg, the new trump card.

He is also very happy that he does not have to sit and watch the game. “That was awfully difficult,” recalls Ljubomir Vranjes. “As we began the second half five goals down, at that point I hoped for a draw or at least a close victory.”

His wish came true, but the 32-year old player knows that SG must play much better. “We were agressive enough in the last 20 minutes. It is not enough for a CL Final. We need at least 45 minutes of that.”