Germany’s ASC Grünwettersbach, seeded no. 15 in the ETTU Champions League Men, continues its impressive debut season in the ETTU European League. Led by Tiago APOLONIA, Hiroto SHINOZUKA, Ricardo WALTHER, Tobias HIPPLER, and Damian FLOR, the Karlsruhe-based club topped its Group in Novi Sad, overcoming strong opposition from AS Pontoise Cergy (France), Real Club Cajasur Priego TM (Spain), and TTC Ostrava 2016 (Czechia).
Their reward: a thrilling Round-of-16 duel on 14 November against the French powerhouse GV Hennebont TT, seeded no. 7, who now enter the competition in the knock-out stage.
Manager Martin WERNER spoke about the team’s form, ambitions, and expectations ahead of this historic tie.
Speaking of the team’s current shape and atmosphere in the squad WERNER stated:
“We have had a very good start to the TTBL season and are also delighted to have reached the knockout stages in our first Champions League campaign! Unfortunately, Ricardo WALTHER and Tiago APOLONIA were both injured in the last two TTBL matches. We hope that both will be fit again for the first leg of the round of 16! Despite the injuries, the mood in the team is very good! The rest of the squad is fit and in good spirits.
Any challenges or important changes for this season?
“The big challenge this season is the tight schedule that the players have to cope with due to WTT tournaments, TTBL matches and other international commitments. The Champions League matches have of course added an extra burden for our players. We don’t have a large squad of players, but we do have young players who still compete for our club in the 3rd Bundesliga.
Of course, the additional financial expenditure in the Champions League also plays a major role. We therefore hope for a well-attended first leg of the round of 16 in the ASC-Arena!”
What is your current position and recent performance in Bundesliga?
“We have started the TTBL season very positively and are satisfied with our performances so far, especially given the additional European schedule. The team spirit and home support in Karlsruhe have been fantastic.”
How do you assess the forthcoming duel, what are your expectations, and what do you consider to be the strong and weak points of both your side and your opponent?
“ Hennebont is a top team! Simon GAUZY and Vladimir SIDERENKO are well known to us from the TTBL. Simon in particular was one of the ‘superstars’ of the TTBL for many years. Added to this are three top players from China! Hennebont is spoilt for choice here. For us, it makes no difference which of the three top Chinese players will play, as they are all very, very strong!
We will definitely give everything we have to reach the quarter-finals! At our home game, we hope to have the support of our fans, who can tip the scales in decisive moments.”
Is there any particular player who has shown exceptional progress or who you expect to play a key role in this tie?
“Every single player has contributed to our success so far, and that unity will again be crucial. With Tiago and Ricardo hopefully returning, and Hiroto SHINOZUKA’s form improving week by week, we believe in our collective strength rather than relying on one individual.”
How important is this competition for your club within the broader sporting calendar?
“When you’re in the round of 16 of the Champions League, you naturally want to advance to the quarter-finals! The match is very important for us as a club and also for the city of Karlsruhe, as no sports club from Karlsruhe has ever played in the Champions League before!”
What message would you like to send to your fans before the start of the Knock-Out Round?
“We will give everything! The support of our fans can make all the difference in this historic moment. We hope the ASC-Arena will be full and that our supporters will push us forward in every rally.”
How would you describe your preparation and approach to this stage compared to the group phase?
“Unfortunately, we can’t prepare specifically for the Champions League match, as we have TTBL matches before and after the match against Hennebont. It’s more about recovery between matches! But we will definitely be ready!”
