TSV Victoria Clarholz lost to SC Preußen Münster II 3:0 in the opening match of the Oberliga Westfalen. There are still a few building sites at the start of the season.

TSV Victoria Clarholz suffered a defeat in their opening match of the Oberliga Westfalen against SC Preußen Münster II. Christopher Hankemeier’s team fought, but was defeated 0:3 (0:3) after a botched first half.

“Positives? I’ll have to look for a long time,” the Victoria coach was annoyed about the game against the Preußen reserves. Hankemeier also identified one reason for the defeat as the fact that some players who had previously only played in lower leagues were making their debuts.

The next challenge for Hankemeier’s team will be Sportfreunde Lotte next Saturday (19 August, 5 pm). The Clarholz coach rates Lotte as a strong opponent and reasons: “They have already signed extremely good players, well-known players from upper leagues.”

Hankemeier will adapt his team’s approach to these qualities. “Tactical moves will be improved and how we work against the ball” are on the weekly schedule. But the training week is complicated by the critical personnel situation.

Major injury problems in the defence

Hankemeier gives an open insight. “That’s a particular problem with us,” he explains with concern, “currently there are a few long-term injuries from last season that we’re still dragging along and who are still not fit again.”

There is no end to the injury misery. Defender Phil Mika suffered a shoulder injury in training that will keep him out of action for around four weeks. The next name on the Clarholz injury list.

Nick Flock works on comeback

The injury plight has profound effects on Clarholz’s back line. In addition to Mika, Jonas Ströker (Achilles tendon injury), Linus Kahraman (pubitis) and Robin Mrozek (groin injury), who play supporting roles in the defence, are missing. Coach Hankemeier and his team are severely limited in their options. At least there is good news in attack: Nick Flock is actively working on his comeback after knee surgery.

The long-term goals for the current season remain unchanged for Hankemeier. He affirmed: “That we get our points as quickly as possible so that we can then play in the top division next year as well. “