Nightmare in the Wolfsgrube: Suhl goes for the next title

Partying with your own fans is part of Suhl's game. (Archive picture) / Photo: Uwe Anspach/dpa

A project works

Home advantage is just one of the reasons why the "Wolfpack" reached their first final in the Bundesliga. The fact that the Thuringians have their sights set on the double is a surprise, but also the result of a determined development process.

He still remembers his first conversation with managing director Alexander Mantlik in 2020, Hollosy said. "He told me that they wanted to sign a three-year contract with me." Unusually long for the volleyball business. But Mantlik had a vision. "He had a clear plan, namely to build a play-off team."

This was already achieved in the first season, and progress was made every year. "I have the motto that success is a consequence and not a goal," said Hollosy. The club professionalized bit by bit, and loyal sponsors came on board. The budget is still smaller than in Stuttgart, Dresden or Schwerin. But VfB always manages to sign and develop lesser-known players.

The mix is right at Suhl

Hollosy also got used to the German volleyball culture and the young generation of players. "When I started my coaching career, the coaches were perhaps stricter or the athletes didn't have too much of a say," says the 49-year-old. "With this new generation, I think you have to be more responsive to the players."

The team has a good mix this season: captain Roosa Laakonen and Lara Nagels remain as experienced leaders. New signing Monika Brancuska became the league's top scorer. Mackenzie Foley and Hannah Hartmann also established themselves as key players.

Dresden relies on its own young talent

While this is Suhl's first appearance in the final, the team from Saxony is aiming for its seventh championship. In the semi-finals, Alexander Waibl's runners-up beat the big favorites Stuttgart.

The 58-year-old, who is in his 17th season in Dresden, expects a balanced series in the first Central German final. "For me, Suhl was the strongest team in the second half of the season, they're riding a wave," said Waibl. "But we also improved further in the playoffs, we have a lot of talent and the team never gives up."

Waibl is particularly proud of how much the DSC continues to rely on its own young talent. With Patricia Nestler, Mette Pfeffer, Florentine Rosemann, Larissa Winter and Teresa Ziegenbalg, the squad includes five players from the club's own youth academy. An unusually high number in the Bundesliga.

Pressure on Dresden

Due to their history, Hollosy clearly sees the pressure on Dresden. His team has proven enough this season that it can deal with tricky situations and beat big opponents. In the cup final against Stuttgart, in the play-offs against defending champions Schwerin and also against the DSC. Suhl won the cup semi-final in a tie-break.

In the league, both matches were also close. Dresden won twice 3:2. "We have to be well prepared. And in the end, God only knows who will be the best," predicted Hollosy. Whoever wins three games first has the title.

Nightmare in the Wolfsgrube: Suhl goes for the next title

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A project works

The mix is right at Suhl

Dresden relies on its own young talent

Pressure on Dresden

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