Nightmare in the Wolfsgrube: Suhl goes for the next title

Volleyball coach Laszlo Hollosy from the surprise team VfB Suhl has to laugh before he answers. How would he describe the Wolfsgrube sports hall at home? "For the opposing teams, it's probably a nightmare. For us, of course, it's a real energy boost," the Hungarian told the German Press Agency. That should also be the case on Wednesday evening (19:00/Dyn), when the cup winners welcome Dresdner SC to Thuringia for the first game of the final series for the German championship.

"Every club is proud of its fans. But I think we have the most passionate fans here in Germany," says Hollosy. Middle blocker Laura Berger likes to sing "Humba täterä" on a megaphone for the 1,800 fans after victories and then they celebrate together.

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.