02.11.2012, 04:55
Wiencek: Marcus Ahlm is a brilliant teacher

German THW Kiel youngster develops at the side of experienced Swedish world star

Wiencek: Marcus Ahlm is a brilliant teacher

His nickname is Bamm-Bamm, called after the son of the TV cartoon “The Flintstones” – but his style of playing has changed since he is part of the team of THW Kiel: Patrick Wiencek is one of the most talented German youngster, a powerful pivot. Before this season the 23 year old former junior world champion made the biggest step in his career, transferring from EHF Cup winner VfL Gummersbach to VELUX EHF Champions League winner THW Kiel.

And Wiencek knew before that especially the first season will be only reserved for learning. Currently THW have three line players in their squad, led by team captain Markus Ahlm, who will end his career after this season. “Markus Ahlm is a brilliant teacher, Alfred Gislason is the best coach in the world,” says Wiencek for ehfcl.com. “Every training session at Markus’ side is important for my development.”

Wiencek knew before that he will have much less time on the court than in Gummersbach, as not only Ahlm, but Danish newcomer and European champion Rene Toft Hansen will share the position with him. But he is patient.

Currently Wiencek is away with the German national team. Since 2009 – right after raising the trophy at the junior world championship – he became part of the squad, the EHF EURO 2012 in Serbia was his fist major tournament.

“When I arrive at the national team nothing has changed for me, they treat me the same, no mater if I arrive from Gummersbach or from Kiel. The only difference is that I now travel southwards all the time,” Wiencek said before the first ever German home defeat in the EHF EURO qualification. With six goals he was a top scorer for the hosts against Montenegro (27:31).

Right in the first months at Kiel he discovered the so called “winners-gene” in the THW squad: “Yes, it is true, they have it. You recognize it when you arrive as a newcomer in this team. Nobody wants to lose a match. Look at our league game at Hamburg, we were below by five goals and then suddenly this winners’ gene turned the match.”

But in the VELUX EHF Champions League even this “gene” did not prevent Kiel from their defeat in all competitions (except IHF Super Globe against Madrid) for one year, when they were defeated at Veszprém. “To lose a match is always disappointing, but Veszprém have a brilliant squad. But is our clear aim that this should have been our last defeat in the Group Phase of the VELUX EHF Champions League.”

TEXT: Björn Pazen / br