By Nicklas Thygesen
On Saturday awaits the season's first local derby, when Skjern Handball visits TTH Holstebro.
For head coach Oscar Carlén it will be the first time he will stand at the helm for Skjern in a local derby against rivals from Holstebro. The feeling around this type of match, however, is far from new for the Swede.
– I have heard and can feel from people in the club that it is a very special match that means a lot to many people. I know the feeling from these special local derbies from Germany and Sweden, and common to them is often that the aggression is turned up a bit extra – especially at the start of the match, where both teams want to show they are ready, says Oscar Carlén.
The head coach therefore also expects a TTH side that will come out with great energy on Saturday.
– They didn’t have their best game most recently against Sønderjyske, but before that they played some really good matches against both GOG and BSH. They come with many different types of attacks and a lot of energy, and we have seen matches where they have been very aggressive. I also expect that they will be like that against us, says Carlén.
Skjern has in the season’s first matches been challenged by injuries and limited resources in the backcourt, but Carlén also sees positive signs in the development.
– We have come far with our play with three right-handers. The last couple of matches it has looked more stable, and we are constantly working on the relationships we have. We are struggling a bit defensively right now. The frequency of the matches becomes too high, and we are conceding too many goals. We have new relationships in the central defense and in the goalkeeper position, so there are some things that need to fall into place. But it is something we work on every single day, and that must get better, he says.
On Saturday Carlén expects a close contest where margins can have great significance.
– It will be a tough match with many 50/50 situations. In such a local derby it is about being ready from the start, matching their energy and aggression and at the same time being tactically skilled throughout the match, says Carlén.
The match starts on Saturday at 16:00.
The match is shown live on TV2.
