Hesse table tennis clubs TTC Fulda-Maberzell and TTC OE Bad Homburg are preparing for the start of the new Tischtennis Bundesliga season as Germany's top-flight competition returns 77 days after the Final Four in Frankfurt.
Fulda-Maberzell will open their campaign on Monday with an 18:30 fixture away to Werder Bremen, while Bad Homburg host record champions Borussia Düsseldorf at 18:30 on Tuesday.
Ahead of the opening matches, regional broadcaster hr-sport interviewed officials from both Hesse teams regarding their objectives and squad developments for the upcoming season.
Fulda-Maberzell squad changes and playoff ambitions
TTC Fulda-Maberzell enter the season with high expectations following several roster adjustments, according to Johannes Hodes, the club's second chairman. Hodes stated that the club had signed up-and-coming Romanian national player Andrei Istrate to add squad variability, noting that the young newcomer was keen to play in the Bundesliga.
Fulda-Maberzell have also been boosted by the return to fitness of Jonathan Groth and the continued presence of Dimitrij Ovtcharov. Hodes added that Ruwen Filus and Fanbo Meng remain two key mainstays for the team.
Reflecting on the club's targets, Hodes explained that the players' form curve shortly before the season start pointed clearly upward. While acknowledging that matches against Borussia Düsseldorf, Dortmund, and Saarbrücken would be tough, he stated that Fulda-Maberzell would not hide and saw themselves in a lurking position for the playoffs, aiming to keep the race open as long as possible and secure fourth place in the standings.
Looking ahead to the opener against Werder Bremen, Hodes expected both teams to field full-strength lineups in an open exchange of blows. He rated the match as a 50/50 contest, describing Bremen as an uncomfortable opponent, but expressed confidence that Fulda-Maberzell could secure an immediate victory on the opening day.
Bad Homburg focus on league survival
At TTC OE Bad Homburg, sporting director Sven Rehde stated that avoiding relegation remains the club's primary objective. Rehde explained that the league had become very strong again, meaning a smaller club like Bad Homburg must focus first on securing its status in the top division.
Bad Homburg have seen changes in their lineup, losing last season's top player Jo Yokotani. Rehde explained that Yokotani left because the Japanese Olympic squad has not yet been nominated, requiring him to play in Japan to maintain his selection chances.
In response, Bad Homburg signed Australian player Finn Luu as an investment for the future. Rehde noted that Luu demonstrated a very strong technical foundation during his first training camp. Meanwhile, Csaba András and Ivor Ban have continued to climb the world rankings, with Rehde expressing hope that the young talents would play with greater consistency.
The club has also brought in Slobodan Grujić as their new head coach. Rehde praised Grujić as a top professional who won the Champions League twice as a player and led Saarbrücken to a German championship title. Rehde added that Grujić conducts excellent training, communicates well with the players, and provides the discipline needed to achieve their survival goal.
