SCM disenchanted: Madsen celebrates Jicha’s “outstanding” match plan

Part of Kiel’s success: Emil Madsen (left) and head coach Filip Jicha.
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It was a demonstration of power on Sunday. But not from SC Magdeburg, the reigning double winners. The traditional club from Saxony-Anhalt had no chance in their own stadium. THW Kiel was in top form.

“I find it difficult to give a thorough analysis, I would rather give free rein to the emotions that are inside me at this moment,” Filip Jicha began after the final whistle: “I am incredibly proud of my team. We wanted to face Magdeburg with our defense in the hope that our quality would be enough to annoy the SCM and that is exactly what we did.

Magdeburg had unusual problems creating clear chances. “We played a fast, perfect match, Filip and Sprengi’s tactics were outstanding,” rejoiced Emil Madsen, one of the record champions’ match winners: “And we were able to implement these tactics brilliantly.” A total of nine goals went to the account of the summer newcomer, who has fitted in brilliantly at THW.

Pekeler already warns about Melsungen

Magdeburg’s coach Bennet Wiegert also praised Jicha: “The game had an absolutely deserved winner today: Filip and THW Kiel.” Defence chief Hendrik Pekler praised the “incredible bulwark” that the “Zebras” had put up, especially in the second half. “We played an incredibly strong game as a team,” said the 33-year-old, who was described as having a “sensational” performance by national goalkeeper Andreas Wolff.

However, according to kicker columnist Bob Hanning, Wolff’s 16 saves were not decisive. Nikola Portner (eleven saves) had similarly dominated Magdeburg after being substituted. But Kiel always found the better solutions, from the backcourt, through the circle.

In Kiel, however, it is also about consistency, especially after the far too changeable last season. This must be demonstrated on Thursday (7 p.m.) against MT Melsungen. “The team has developed incredibly in recent years, last season we lost at home against MT,” recalled Pekeler: “We want to do better and keep the two points with us in Kiel.”