Danish champions reinforce

Danish men’s champions, KIF Kolding, will return to the EHF Champions League for the eighth time in the history of the club. The team was reinforced considerably for the upcoming challenges. No less than three new players will join the club coached by Ingmar Linell. The coach is also new – returning to the club after 2001.

Lukas Karlsson, 27 year old, playmaker and Swedish international, is joining from Danish league colleagues Viborg HK. “To me it is a kind of a dream come true to join a club consistently in the top of Danish handball also playing in Europe. Of course it makes it even more attractive that Kolding are in the Champions League next season. I have played in the CL twice before – with Swedish Hammarby and with Viborg – but we did not reach too good results. I hope to take a step further in the Champions League with Kolding,” Lukas Karlsson told eurohandball.com.

Anders Oechsler, 29 year old, right handed backcourt player who can play the right back as well as the left back, is a strong defence player as well. The former Danish international will return to Kolding after three years at Gorsswalstadt.

“I chose to come back to Kolding in order to get into top physical form again and try to win titles again. I’m really looking forward to playing in the Champions League again! I am still dreaming of returning to the Danish national team, but at first I concentrate on getting the best possible condition and play well for the club,” Oechsler told eurohandball.com, when his three year contract with Kolding was announced.

Lasse Mikkelsen, 21 year old playmaker and Danish U/21 international will arrive from AaB Håndbold.

“I was approached by Kolding already around Christmas. I have always known Kolding as a good handball club with a lot of tradition, and ever since my first meeting with the people from the club I was very positive. I share the fundamental values of the club,” Lasse Mikkelsen explained.

Apart from those three, Kolding will welcome back a right winger Mads Forslund who has was out for the entire 2008/09 season due to a serious knee injury. Furthermore, right back and veteran Mateo Garralda, who has been injured for nearly three months, will also be back and active.

Kolding will also be losing players for the coming season. Swedish playmaker and former international Sebastian Seifert is leaving for Swedish Elitserie club Ystads IF, while backcourt player and Danish international Henrik Møllgaard will be joining AaB Håndbold.