Coach Sascha Behnke’s team have started a curious streak. They’ve been unbeaten in six games, but have only managed to win two of them.

ESC Rellinghausen have started a curious streak. Coach Sascha Behnke’s team have now gone six games unbeaten. That sounds like a dream streak and a very good place in the table.

Until you look at the points tally: they have only won two of the six games they have gone unbeaten in. That’s why, after twelve games, the ESC is “only” in 9th place with 17 points. Behnke notes that it’s because of the many draws: “We’ve left too many points on the table. Of course, it’s always nice not to lose, but in retrospect, we could have done better. We concede goals too often late in the game and don’t manage to decide the game early.”

The 45-year-old sees the main reason why close games could not be brought over time in the large number of young players: “We really enjoy working with young players a lot. These players still have their deficits and are often not clever enough to bring a lead over time in a sovereign manner. But that’s our way, and we consciously take that risk.”

Overall, however, Behnke is very satisfied with his team’s development: “So far, we have managed to play well against any team and to be present. I definitely see an improvement on last season. If we manage to stay focused and concentrated for 90 minutes, a single-digit place in the table is the goal. But in the end, the most important thing at the ESC is to avoid having anything to do with relegation as soon as possible.”