Mauro "I'm delighted I signed for SC Sand"
At the minute it is hard to say whether SC Sand will find themselves in a relegation fight this season. The team has plenty of potential after all. Anne van Bonn and Julia Zirnstein are experienced Bundesliga players. One of their other stars is striker Ilaria Mauro. The Italy international has already scored twice this season, taking her overall SC Sand tally to 25 goals in 23 matches.
It’s clear that the family environment at the club helps the players find their best form. Sand is a village and by far the smallest host city in the Allianz Frauen-Bundesliga. “It’s pleasant because everyone knows each other here” said Hanebeck. “I have previously lived in big cities and was born in Köln. I had to adapt, but I don’t regret my decision. On the contrary, I am delighted I signed for Sand.” It’s clear to see that Sand aren’t a typical newly promoted side.
SC Sand started impressively, continuing the remarkable form which saw them ease to the 2. Bundesliga title last season. The team from Baden-Württemberg dropped only two points all season. They won 21 matches, drew one and didn’t lose. Their Allianz Frauen-Bundesliga campaign started with a hard fought draw against FF USV Jena, which was followed up by a victory away to Herforder SV; a result which saw them get to a season high position of fourth.
Since then Niko Koutroubis’ side have lost form, losing five games in a row in the process. On Saturday (11:45 CEST), they face a huge challenge in the shape of an away trip to FC Bayern München. Bayern have started strongly and are second in the league. “Obviously, the odds are stacked against us” said Koutroubis. “But we’ll give it our all. It’s possible that we could get a shock result. Possibly a draw, maybe even a victory.”
Koutroubis: "Patricia has incredible technical ability"
One of the key components of the newly promoted side is Patricia Hanebeck. The 28 year old is the team’s attacking heartbeat. Kourtroubis is fully aware of the talents of his playmaker: “Patricia has incredible technical technical ability. In my opinion she is one of the best players in her position in the country. I’m delighted to have her in my squad. She is a leader on the pitch.”
Hanebeck relishes this role. She has vast levels of experience, having previously played for FCR Duisburg and winning the Bundesliga title whilst under contract at Turbine Potsdam. The Allianz Frauen-Bundesliga isn’t a new challenge for her and as a result of this, her opinions are not to be questioned. “The quality in our ranks shows we aren’t a normal promoted team” said Hanebeck. “If we continue to work hard and start to pick up results we will pull away from the relegation zone.”
Hanebeck: "We certainly aren’t underestimating the situation"
The table has changed a lot for SC Sand since their promising start; they lie in tenth place with four points after seven games and are perilously close to the relegation zone. “We certainly aren’t underestimating the situation” explained Hanebeck. “The table doesn’t lie. But we also know that we’ve been unlucky to lose some of the matches as well as not being clinical enough in front of goal. Our performances warrant more points than what we have.”
If Sand pick up anything from this weekend’s clash with FC Bayern München it will be a surprise. After this fixture, there are some hugely important clashes. They host MSV Duisburg, then travel to Turbine Potsdam before welcoming Bayer Leverkusen. “We need to pick up points in the matches against Duisburg and Leverkusen if we want to stand any chance of surviving” said Hanebeck. “If that doesn’t happen, we’ll be in a bit of trouble.”
Mauro "I'm delighted I signed for SC Sand"
At the minute it is hard to say whether SC Sand will find themselves in a relegation fight this season. The team has plenty of potential after all. Anne van Bonn and Julia Zirnstein are experienced Bundesliga players. One of their other stars is striker Ilaria Mauro. The Italy international has already scored twice this season, taking her overall SC Sand tally to 25 goals in 23 matches.
It’s clear that the family environment at the club helps the players find their best form. Sand is a village and by far the smallest host city in the Allianz Frauen-Bundesliga. “It’s pleasant because everyone knows each other here” said Hanebeck. “I have previously lived in big cities and was born in Köln. I had to adapt, but I don’t regret my decision. On the contrary, I am delighted I signed for Sand.” It’s clear to see that Sand aren’t a typical newly promoted side.
