Uwe Gensheimer: The new hope of the Rhein-Neckar Löwen!

Uwe Gensheimer: The new hope of the Rhein-Neckar Löwen!

The Handball Bundesliga started its 60th season on September 6, 2025, and a well-known face plays a crucial role: Uwe Gensheimer. With his move from the playing field to the management bench, the former Rhein-Neckar Löwen player has taken over the position of sporting director. This was officially completed over a year ago and is confirmed by the extensive experience he has gained with the Lions since 2003 - apart from a brief interlude at Paris Saint-Germain.

Gensheimer, who is taking on a new challenge at the age of 37, has already dealt intensively with the requirements of his position. In his first months as sports director, he learned a lot about planning and organization in the background and emphasized that he didn't want to go through the strenuous preparation for the season again himself. Nevertheless, he remains closely connected to the team and supports them by accompanying training sessions and team discussions, while at the same time conducting intensive telephone calls and supervisory board meetings to further advance the club.

The upheaval at the Rhein-Neckar Löwen

Gensheimer is faced with the challenge of managing a change in the team. In addition to eight new additions such as Dani Bajens, who was brought in as a playmaker, he also has to cope with the departures of key players such as Juri Knorr, Mikael Appelgren and Patrick Groetzki. Maik Machulla was also installed as the new head coach to bring a breath of fresh air into the Lions' style of play. Gensheimer praises Machulla's handball philosophy and the fast, dynamic players who were brought into the team.

Last season was rather disappointing for the Lions, with a twelfth place that clearly missed expectations. Gensheimer admits that the higher level of performance in the Bundesliga compared to previous years brings with it additional challenges. Even though the preparation has now shown some progress, consistent performances remain a goal that needs to be achieved. His communication skills when dealing with the team should help him communicate difficult decisions honestly and clearly.

Keeping an eye on what we have in common

Even if Gensheimer does not formulate any high goals for the season, the dream of a return to European competition is still alive in him. The determination and ambition to lead the club back to being one of the best teams in the Bundesliga determine his new everyday life. Holger Bachert, the new managing director, will support him after Jennifer Kettemann was dismissed due to balance sheet issues. The entire club has been under pressure in recent months, and Gensheimer has the trust of the chairman of the supervisory board, Lars Lamadé, who relies on his expertise and network.

Although the Lions have shown positive approaches in preparation, continuous improvement remains an important task. With a view to the new challenges in this Bundesliga season, it is exciting for the fans of the Rhein-Neckar Löwen to see how the team will develop under Gensheimer's sporting leadership. One thing is certain: there is still a lot of work ahead of him, and the start of the first games will show how well the new structures are working.

The Bundesliga will be interrupted for a total of 34 match days until the last match day on June 7, 2026 for the European Handball Championship. There are many exciting games and developments waiting for the lions and their fans in the coming period. Further information about the games and TV broadcasts can be found at sportschau.de.

For the Rhein-Neckar Löwen as well as for Gensheimer and his team it is now time to give full throttle so that the season brings the desired successes.