HC Erlangen relies on dual leadership: Firnhaber and Bissel take over!

HC Erlangen relies on dual leadership: Firnhaber and Bissel take over!

The handball scene in Germany is on its toes! Today, August 15, 2025, HC Erlangen made an important personnel decision that sets the course for the coming season. Sebastian “Flamme” Firnhaber and Christopher Bissel were elected as the new captains for the 2025/26 season. This is in line with the decisions made in previous seasons, ensuring some continuity in the club's leadership team.

Coach Johannes Sellin is pleased with the choice and highlights the impressive leadership qualities of Firnhaber and Bissel. Firnhaber, who has an impressive record of 212 appearances in the 1st Handball Bundesliga for both THW Kiel and HC Erlangen, not only brings a lot of experience, but also has a contract that is valid until 2027. Bissel, who has never changed clubs, has made an impressive 287 appearances in the first division and 28 in the second division in ten seasons. With these two captains, HC Erlangen is well positioned to tackle the next challenges.

A new chapter for the team

Bissel in particular emphasizes the need to develop a positive team culture. After the departures of Nico Büdel and Nikolai Link, he will have even greater responsibility and act as an identification figure. It is clear that HC Erlangen wants to continue to grow on the shoulders of these two players.

The anticipation of the new handball season is further fueled by other developments. The first opening game of the Bundesliga will take place on August 22, 2025, when Bayern Munich will face RB Leipzig. This is the official starting signal for the 2025/26 season of the Bundesliga, while Bundesliga 2 starts on August 1, 2025 with the game between Schalke and Hertha Berlin. It will definitely be exciting for the fans!

Important dates in the coming season

• Bundesliga, Spieltag 1: 22.–24. August 2025
• Bundesliga, Spieltag 34: 16. Mai 2026
• Bundesliga 2, Spieltag 1: 1.–3. August 2025
• Bundesliga 2, Spieltag 34: 17. Mai 2026
• Relegationsspiele, 1. Spiele: 21. & 22. Mai 2026
• Relegationsspiele, 2. Spiele: 25. & 26. Mai 2026

The fixture lists for the new season have been drawn up with great care, taking into account local and safety requirements as well as the wishes of the clubs. Software is also used to take different interests into account and guarantee fair play dates. It promises to be an exciting year for all handball enthusiasts.

More exciting developments and games await us as the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 start the new season. If the HC Erlangen team continues to go into the new season with so much commitment and overview, then the fans can look forward to lots of exciting games. A look at the coming challenges and curiosity about the developments are guaranteed! It remains to be seen how the new captain duo and the entire team will perform.

Read more about the captain elections in detail on Handball World and the new game plans Bundesliga.com.