Eisenach presents SCM coach Wiegert with difficult tasks

Coach Bennet Wiegert of German handball champions SC Magdeburg is facing problems ahead of the derby against ThSV Eisenach. "Eisenach has a functioning system of play that is unique in Europe because they don't play typically," said the 42-year-old ahead of the clash in the Getec Arena on Sunday (18:00/Dyn), "which makes it difficult because you can't show it in training."

In view of Eisenach coach Misha Kaufmann's innovative system of play without a pivot but with four backcourt players, fellow coach Wiegert speaks of a "demanding challenge". At the same time, Wiegert is pleased that the innovations are rewarded with points. Eisenach have collected 14 points in 15 league games and are currently in eleventh place, six points behind SCM, who are seven points off the pace.

Plan A, B and C

In view of the innovative playing system - coach Kaufmann always has Plan A as well as B and C - Wiegert is happy to have more time for preparation, even if the extra time comes with the painful elimination from the DHB Cup. On the other hand, the Thuringians face another challenge to reach the Final Four on Thursday at Rhein-Neckar-Löwen.

Aside from the derby, Wiegert has a lot of sympathy for the rivals from the neighboring German state. "Eisenach is a club that I can relate to a lot and have known for a long time through youth games and the games in the GDR Oberliga with my father," said Wiegert, who was awarded honorary membership of ThSV Eisenach last year, "I like the atmosphere and I like the people. There are many parallels with the SCM."