The premise was clearly formulated by the managing duo of <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2022/05/vfl-gummersbach-germanys-most-famous-handball-club-is-back-sport/” title=”VfL Gummersbach: Germany's most famous handball club is back – sport”>TV Großwallstadt: “The successor must fit our requirements profile,” explained Stefan Wüst after the second division handball team parted ways with coach Michael Roth. The former national player also had a well-known name as a coach, having acquired positions at, among others, MT Melsungen, HSG Wetzlar and TV Großwallstadt. During the premier league era, of course, in July 2023 the 62-year-old joined the traditional Lower Franconian club for the second time. With moderate success – partly due to a long break due to a hip operation.
Because inflammation in the operated hip again hindered preparation and the start of the season went wrong with two defeats out of three games, the club released him. They want to take their time looking for a successor, the new one should also include the U23 team and the junior academy in his work, explained Michael Spatz, TVG veteran and Wüst’s managing director colleague. A little more than two weeks later, Spatz presented his successor: André Lohrbach will take over, while assistant coach Povilas Babarskas will step back into the second tier.
Right on his debut, the new coach will be visiting with Großwallstadt for the Franconian derby in Coburg
Lohrbach may not have as well-known a name as his predecessor, but the 35-year-old is considered a talent developer; he was responsible for the U19s at the German record champions THW. His claim to “take the next step in competitive handball” after five successful years with the third division team TSV Altenholz, with whom the Kiel team cooperates, also fits into the TVG matrix.
Lohrbach brings Bundesliga experience as a player for SG Bietigheim and has signed in Großwallstadt until 2026 with an option for another season. Lohrbach presented a convincing concept, a “clear line and ideas for implementation,” explained Spatz. When both TSV Altenholz and THW Kiel signaled their approval, everything happened very quickly, and Lohrbach is now looking forward to “a great project”. The conditions are also positive: At the weekend, TVG won its second home game against Hagen with 28:26 goals. The first appearance under his leadership is also guaranteed to attract a lot of attention: On Saturday (7.30 p.m.) the TVG will be a guest at the Franconian derby at HSC Coburg.
