Dominik Klein: We want to prove that we belong on top

Dominik Klein has played for the THW Kiel since 2006 and has won three times the VELUX EHF Champions League. During the “Unser Norden” golf tournament, we were able to get his attention for a few moments.

Dominik, the last season has been very special for your club. You won all possible titles including the VELUX EHF Champions League. Have you already processed this unique experience?

Dominik Klein: I didn’t have enough time to do this until now. I have been very busy over the last few weeks. First I played the qualification for the World Championship with the national team and then we visited our families in Croatia. There was really no time to look back.

Due to the Olympic Games, Kiel starts their preparation with only seven players. Do you think the preparation will be harder for those who stay in Kiel?
 
Dominik Klein: I don’t think so. We have our program that we have to complete. Of course, the professional squad will be completed with some of our youth players. The group will be a good mix between us and the younger players.

In 2011/12 the THW realized the perfect season. Is it difficult to motivate yourself after such an accomplishment?

Dominik Klein: No, we will continue where we left last season. We want to prove that we belong on top.

What do you think about the draw in the VELUX EHF Champions League? Madrid, Veszprém and Celje and Sävehof are the opponents in the Group Phase.

Dominik Klein: I’ve heard about the draw when I was on holiday and I was very pleased that, once again, we have a strong group. This means that our spectators will see great matches. I was a little surprised though that Madrid is in our Group. I didn’t know that we could end up in the same group with them.

The seven players participating in the Olympic Games will join the THW in mid-August. Only two weeks later, your team will travel to Qatar to play the Super Globe. Does this tournament come right?

Dominik Klein: Yes. I think this tournament is a great to get ready for the upcoming season. We do not have a lot of preparation games ahead of us, but in Qatar we will all be together and will work to become a good team.