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Both coaches agree - pressure is on Minden

After playing well against Hannover and Flensburg, Minden lost against the newly-promoted team, whose goalkeeper had 23 saves. On May 1st they played an important match against Lemgo, which ended in a 21-21 draw

Minden have left a good impression in matches against musch stronger opponents Flensburg and Hannover. They even won a point away against the latter team (27-27). The Wednesday game at Emsdetten was the first game in which they were expected to win. They failed.

- Goalkeeper Nils Babin was the player of the game thanks to our horrible offense - said Minden manager Horst Bredemeier angrily.


Minden had the last possession and a chance to draw the match, but Babin saved the shot by left back Biblija. It was his 23rd save.


- We struggle when we are the favorites, there are no other ways to explain this kind of performance.


Coach Perkovac said after the match that 'it is now important to win against Lemgo'. It is hard to say that they are the favorites, however, last season when Lemgo were much stronger, they drew 21-21 at home against them. It was May 1st, amidst a great relegation battle, and the points were much needed.


- Lemgo depends on their right back Rolf Hermann. He is probably the most reliable left-handed player in the league - warns Perkovac, realizing where the biggest threat is coming from.


- We need a good result. We mustn't panic, but the pressure is there. If we can't win home games against Lemgo, Eisenach or Esmdetten, then we are in big trouble.


There are some positives however. Defense has allowed only 23 goals in Flensburg, 27 in Hannover, 30 at home against Löwena, and 24 in Emsdetten. In the latter match, the starting center back Dalibor Doder was ever-present. He scored four goals, while Perkovac has highlighted the many misses from the right wing (Svitlica) and left back (Biblija) positions. 'Too many misses from those positions'. Goalkeeper Anders Persson and back Christoph Steinert have picked up light injuries, but the starting lineup should be the same as last Wednesday. It is also worth noting that national team player at cadet level Kunkel (left winger; in the photo) has fulfilled expectations by scoring three goals.


Lemgo coach Niels Pfannenschmidt ascended to the club's senior level from the youth levels. He is one of the youngest Bundesliga coaches, and he suffered his first defeat in the fourth round of the championship. Which isn't that bad. Lemgo was defeated at home by Melsungen (38-33). The defense failed miserably. Mo matter what Pfannenschmidt tried (5-1 and 4-2), Melsungen offense had an answer.


- We are chasing important points today. Minden are under pressure. After losing to Emsdetten, they must win now - the young coach said.


In preparation for the match, special emphasis was put on Minden's 27-27 draw against Hannover, and Pfannenschmidt is aware that he is going to face a robust and tough 6-0 defense.


- Their defense, led by goalkeeper Jens Vortmann, will be a tough nut to crack. Goalkeepers' daily form will be a deciding factor, as well as counter-attacking efficiency. We must guard their backs Doder and Biblija tightly.


Just like Minden, their roster should be injury-free. Pivot Hendrik Pekeler played on pain medication against Melsungen (sore gums), but he has been on antibiotics throughout the week and is expected to be in rotation.

Analyzing position by position, I find Minden to be a much better team than Lemgo, and I can't see why Lemgo are put forward as favorite, plus on Minden's court. The back line Bilbija - Doder - Schapsmeier is no weaker than Lemgo's back line with Lemke (Lonn) - Herthom - Hermann. Minden's defense is much better, their goalkeepers are better and they are playing at home. Last season in May they played 21-21 against Lemgo. Lemgo then had the middle back Martin Strobel and the goalkeeper Carsten Lichtlein, the two German national team players who left the team last summer. Minden lost to Esmdetten in the last round, which influenced the quotes today, but the goalkeeper Babin saved 23 balls in this match, which doesn't happen every day. Practically, Minden were their own worst opponent, and even with such poor shot efficiency, they still had a chance to tie the match, but Bilbija missed. Their chances to win points are much better than what the quotes suggest.