SCM coach Wiegert: Big names raise the level of the league

Coach Bennet Wiegert of Champions League winners SC Magdeburg sees further stars as an enrichment for the German handball league. Two international stars, Alex Dujshebaev at VfL Gummersbach and Dika Mem at Füchse Berlin, have already been confirmed as new signings for the coming season. "That's fantastic. We all want to take the league to the next level," said the coach in a media roundtable ahead of the first Bundesliga matchday after the European Championship break.

He is also a fan of teams, because handball is a team sport, and not just of individual names. "But I also know that names attract fans and that ticket sales are easier in Magdeburg when big names come to the arena," said Wiegert. He is pleased about the names and how strong the Bundesliga becomes as a result.

In its first game after the European Championship break, league leaders Magdeburg will welcome surprise third-placed TBV Lemgo-Lippe for a top-of-the-table clash on Wednesday (20:00/Dyn).

Mental fatigue of the European Championship players greater than physical

Wiegert, who only had six players available in Magdeburg during the title fight, even gave his European Championship players a little longer off. "The head, the mental aspect, is more important than the physical aspect. You have to make the switch from the national team to the club," explained the coach.

"Each individual had different things to deal with at the European Championships," emphasized Wiegert. "Helping to process success or failure is challenging and starts in the head. I believe that the mental fatigue in the head, plus not being at home for over three weeks, is greater than the physical fatigue."