Maik Machulla Dismissed by Rhein-Neckar Löwen After Eisenach Defeat
Rhein-Neckar Löwen relieved head coach Maik Machulla of his duties on Monday following a 29-33 home loss to ThSV Eisenach in the Handball-Bundesliga, bild.de reported. The 49-year-old coach, who previously led SG Flensburg-Handewitt to two consecutive German championships in 2018 and 2019, is the first coaching departure of the current top-flight season.
The decisive defeat occurred on Thursday at home, leaving the club in a sporting crisis after managing just a single victory from their recent outings despite a strong pre-season buildup. Managing Director Holger Bachert announced the immediate dismissal, pointing to the team’s inability to secure positive results in official competition. Machulla, who also served as interim sporting director in Mannheim, expressed disagreement with the timing, stating to bild.de that he respected the decision while noting he would have preferred to continue working with the squad. Former assistant coach Michel Abt takes over as head coach ahead of Thursday’s away match against THW Kiel.
Michel Abt Takes Over Ahead of Kiel Match
Michel Abt steps into the role of head coach immediately, moving up from his previous position as Machulla’s assistant. The 36-year-old inherits a squad sitting in a difficult sporting phase and faces a demanding debut fixture on Thursday at 7:00 PM live on Dyn against THW Kiel. Abt expressed gratitude to his predecessor while emphasizing his commitment to the club, stating that the team holds deep personal significance and possesses the quality needed to return to a successful path.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Maik Machulla win his previous German championships?
Maik Machulla won back-to-back German championships with SG Flensburg-Handewitt in the 2018 and 2019 seasons before taking over at Rhein-Neckar Löwen.
What was the exact score of the match that triggered the dismissal?
The decisive match ended in a 29-33 home defeat for Rhein-Neckar Löwen against ThSV Eisenach on Thursday.
Who is the new head coach and when is his first game?
Former assistant coach Michel Abt takes charge of the team immediately, with his debut scheduled for Thursday against THW Kiel.
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