Handball
DHB newcomer Hanne recommends herself for EM
Martin Hanne (l) played a strong game against Portugal. photo
© Frank Molter/dpa
Martin Hanne comes – and scores. And hits. And hits. The DHB debutant makes a dream debut in the national team. Is that enough for a squad place in the European Championship opening game?
When national coach Alfred Gislason praised the newcomer 40 minutes after the friendly win against Portugal, Hanne was still standing in the interview zone dripping with sweat.
“It’s very reassuring that things went that way from the start. Of course that’s what you want,” said the backcourt player from TSV Hannover-Burgdorf after his successful debut in the national team with five goals. “Of course I’m very proud of it and I’ll definitely sleep well.” His nervousness during the game was less than expected. “It was all new to me. I wasn’t familiar with the national anthem and stuff like that. But I didn’t give it a second thought,” reported the handball talent in a clear manner.
With the difficult 34:33, Hanne came into the game midway through the first half. On the left wing instead of his regular position in the left back because Rune Dahmke had to sit out due to an injury. Only a few seconds had played before Hanne scored his first international goal with his first attempt. “It’s totally worth it. Don’t give a damn whether it’s going to be successful or not. That’s what Alfred told me before the game,” said the 22-year-old, who courageously implemented his coach’s instructions and worked himself into a little handball frenzy.
Hanne: Nobody expected anything
Gislason, who was dissatisfied with the course of the game as well as the defense and goalkeeping performance in the second half, said Hanne had a “very good game” and also appreciated his protégé’s good work in the game at the back. With the performance against Portugal, Hanne recommended himself as a serious left wing option. “That gives us more security across the board,” added Gislason, referring to the performance of the youngsters. In addition to Hanne, his Bundesliga teammate Renars Uscins (21) also impressed.
“I don’t want to overestimate it. This is the first game. I knew then that no one expected anything from me,” said Hanne cautiously. “Of course, the more games I play like this, the expectations get bigger and I have to be aware of that and work to keep it consistent.” Nevertheless, the performance against Portugal gave him self-confidence. “That shows me that I can definitely play here and do my part,” said Hanne.
Syringes, insoles and dental splints
Hanne has long been one of the top talents in German handball. At the age of 17, he was in the Hanover Bundesliga team for the first time. Under former national coach Christian Prokop, the powerful backcourt player finally made his breakthrough.
After a rapid career rise, the first setback followed in 2022. Despite his young age, Hanne struggled with serious back problems and had to take a break for eleven months. Injections, insoles, a dental splint and “many types of therapies” got him back into shape. In outstanding shape. If Hanne trumps again at the European Championship dress rehearsal against Portugal on Saturday (6 p.m./ARD), Gislason will probably not be able to get past him at the European Championships.