Henk Groener reflects positively on training camp

In Skærbæk, the Borussia ladies laid the foundations for the upcoming season by holding two training sessions each day. “The conditions in Skærbæk were optimal. In addition to strength training and some technical handball sessions, we also trained our stamina,” explained Groener. The fitness levels are already on point four weeks before the first Bundesliga match. “The scores were very good, the girls have worked really well in the six-week break,” the coach continued. Athletics trainer Tobias Salewski was also satisfied.

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And what about the new signings? Groener did not want to go into detail, but that wasn’t necessary either because the quintet all shone with good performances. The goalkeeping duo of Tess Lieder and Sarah Wachter impressed in all three matches in Scandinavia. Spain international Carmen Campos underlined her capabilities in offensive defence in particular. “Carmen knows the offensive style of defending that we practice from the Spanish national team. She does that superbly,” said the head coach. Alicia Stolle, a new signing from Bucharest with Dortmund roots, showed her qualities at the back of the court in the game against Aarhus in particular. And Lena Degenhardt shone in the final match against Horsens, scoring five goals.

Groener was also happy to have come through the week in Denmark without any injury-enforced absences. The condition of Dutchwoman Herma van Kreij, who twisted her ankle at the star of pre-season, has also improved. “Harma underwent treatment by the physiotherapists for a week in Denmark. It’s slowly getting better. She will make a very cautious return to training this week,” Groener said.

The involvement of the four youth players Lana von der Wiede, Felina Menne, Lara Egeling and Mara Birk was also a success. Groener said: “They all got playing time. It was good that they came along and already got a feel for Bundesliga handball.”

Following their return from Denmark, a grand reception was held by the City of Dortmund at Bodelschwingh Castle on Sunday morning – with Lord Mayor Thomas Westphal among the attendees – to honour the women’s handballers for finishing in third place in the European League last season. On Wednesday, they will play the third-last friendly fixture of pre-season away to fellow Bundesliga side Blomberg. That will be followed by a second friendly against Blomberg in Dortmund a week later, on 23 August. Then, on 26 August, BVB will travel to top French club Metz. That fixture against the new club of former captain Alina Grijseels will be the final rehearsal ahead of the start to the Bundesliga season.