Maik Machulla Remains Sporting Director of Rhein-Neckar Löwen

Maik Machulla continues to serve as the sporting director for the Rhein-Neckar Löwen while maintaining his role as head coach. Managing Director Holger Bachert confirmed during a press conference at the Kronauer Training Center that the club is currently analyzing its options and engaging in discussions before making a permanent appointment to the leadership position.

Rhein-Neckar Löwen Delay Permanent Sporting Director Appointment

The Rhein-Neckar Löwen have decided against a short-term replacement for the sporting director role, opting instead to keep Maik Machulla in a dual capacity. According to Managing Director Holger Bachert, the club is not seeking an immediate external solution because the internal analysis and ongoing negotiations are still in progress. Machulla originally stepped into the role on an interim basis in April following the departure of Uwe Gensheimer.

Bachert stated that the organization intends to “set themselves up cleanly” for the long term. While the club is considering whether the roles of head coach and sporting director will remain combined under Machulla or be split into two separate positions, no final decision has been announced.

Machulla’s Strategy for the New Season

Maik Machulla resumed training sessions with the squad this week. Following a eighth-place finish in the previous season, the coach is avoiding labeling European qualification as a direct primary goal for the upcoming campaign. Instead, Machulla described the Mannheimer side as “challengers” for the teams that finished above them in the standings last year.

2024-2025 Season Opening Schedule

The Rhein-Neckar Löwen begin their Handball-Bundesliga campaign with a mix of away and home fixtures in late August and early September:

• August 30: Away match against TSV Hannover-Burgdorf.
• September 2: Home opener against VfL Gummersbach.