 The Lions are back
After a two season absence, Rhein Neckar Löwen have qualified for the Group Phase of the VELUX EHF Champions League.
Every time the German side, founded in 2006 from the clubs Kronau and Österingen, were part of this stage they have progressed and made it at least to the quarter-finals.
In their first ever EHF Champions League appearance, Löwen marched through to the semi-finals in 2009 and two years later they qualified for the VELUX EHF FINAL4.
Despite some financial problems, the season 2012/13 was the best in club history, as they did not only finish third in the German league to qualify for the Champions League, but also celebrated the first ever title in their club history, by winning the EHF Cup after beating hosts Nantes in the final.
Löwen are aiming to continue their high performing level from the previous season, but face a number of injury problems before their first game against Motor Zaporozhye on 19 September.
Defensive leader Oliver Roggisch is ruled out at the moment with an elbow injury, as are back court players Alexander Petterson (shoulder) and Zarko Sesum (knee), who had to undergo surgeries, while youngster Marius Steinhauser tore his cruciate ligament for the second time within one year.
In the Group Phase Löwen will face Veszprém, Celje, Zagreb, St. Petersburg and x Zaporozhye in Group A. Only the match against their main rivals from Veszprém will be played in their regular hall, the SAP arena, while the remaining home games will take place in the Harres arena in St. Leon-Rot.
For manager Thorsten Storm, the first objective is to reach the Last 16.
“We are anything but favourites in our group, as in my opinion Veszprém are not only the favourite of finishing on top of the group, but for winning the VELUX EHF Champions League. Below them, everything is open and possible,” admits Storm.
Team captain Uwe Gensheimer, who had missed six months of the previous season after a torn Achilles, is looking forward to the new challenges.
“To be part of the Champions League again is a reward for our club – and it is a great chance for all players as we can face the best teams in the world. This is a huge motivation,” says the inspirational winger.
Not one key player left the Löwen squad over the summer break and the settles squad is looking forward to making an impact among Europe’s elite.
Three questions to coach Gudmundur Gudmundsson:
 What are your expectations for the upcoming season of the VELUX EHF Champions League - concerning your objectives and your group opponents?
Gudmundur Gudmundsson: We were drawn into a tough group and will face traditional Champions League clubs, which have been part of the competition for a long time. It is our goal to present ourselves in a good form to build a base for the knock-out stages later-on. We are highly motivated, but will have respect for all our opponents.
What does the participation in the VELUX EHF Champions League mean to you and your club?
Gudmundur Gudmundsson: For me and my players being part of the Champions League means a lot. It is the reward for our performances in the previous, really tough season. We fought so hard to qualify for the Champions League again – and now everybody in our club is looking forward to those encounters with top international clubs..
What teams are your personal favourites to reach the VELUX EHF FINAL4 and for winning the title this season – and why?
Gudmundur Gudmundsson: Of course FC Barcelona and THW Kiel. Veszprém have improved tremendously and are a candidate for going all the way to Cologne, as are PSG Handball.
Rhein-Neckar Löwen (GER)
Qualification for the 2013/2014 VELUX EHF Champions League season: third ranked in Germany
Coach: Gudmundur Gudmundsson, since 23 September 2010
Newcomers (including former club): Nikola Manojlovic (RK Koper), Roko Peribonio (TVG Großsachsen), Runar Karason (TV Großwallstadt), Sergei Gorbok (Chekhovskie Medvedi), Tim Suton (HG Saarlouis).
Left the club (including new club): Jonas Maier (Kadetten Schaffhausen), Nils Kretschmer (TV Großwallstadt).
VELUX EHF Champions League records:
Participations (including 2013/2014 season): 5
Semi-Final (2): 2008/09, 2010/11
Quarter-final (1): 2009/10
Qualification (1): 2011/12
Other EC records:
Cup Winners’ Cup:
Finallist 2007/08
EHF Cup:
Winner 2012/13
Semi-finallist 2011/12
Quarter-finallist 2006/07
German champion: -
German Cup winner: -
TEXT: Björn Pazen / cor
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