Jenny Behrend: Returning to VfL Oldenburg after the insolvency disaster!

Jenny Behrend: Returning to VfL Oldenburg after the insolvency disaster!

The sport of handball in Germany is currently on its head, and that is also having an impact on the Cologne scene. The surprising bankruptcy of HB Ludwigsburg's handball players not only brings unrest in the league, but also a pleasant transfer for VfL Oldenburg: Jenny Behrend is returning to Oldenburg. The talented player is looking forward to her comeback and has decided to forgo a high salary in order to support the team. Behrend describes the last few weeks as emotionally stressful, but she is now ready to start a new season.

VfL Oldenburg, under the leadership of manager Andreas Lampe and managing director Jens Staschen, reacted quickly after Ludwigsburg's insolvency became known. Behrend, who won eleven titles with VfL from 2014 to 2021, left the club in the summer of 2021 for SG Bietigheim. Due to the dramatic financial situation in Ludwigsburg, where a gap of around two million euros was identified, the players' contracts are invalid, which opens up new options for many of them. The handball Bundesliga is in turmoil, and the uncertainty about the game operations is making the situation complicated for many athletes.

Return under special conditions

Behrend expressed that the past few weeks have been tough, forcing her to do individual training sessions while also worrying about her future. The solidarity in the team that she knew in Ludwigsburg helped her to overcome the challenges. Luckily, she found a new opportunity at her former club, VfL Oldenburg. Managing director Lamp emphasizes that the club wants to be more than just a sporting home for Behrend, especially in these difficult times.

The offer, which secures Behrend a one-year contract with Oldenburg, came at a time full of uncertainty and emotional stress. Lamp visibly proudly explains that VfL has done everything it can to help Behrend despite financial challenges. The transfer was treated as confidential and only made public shortly before the start of the season. This quick return not only gives Behrend the chance to prepare for the upcoming World Cup at home, but also ends a phase of uncertainty for the player.

The consequences of bankruptcy

The insolvency of HB Ludwigsburg also has far-reaching effects on the handball landscape in Germany. Players like Behrend are faced with the challenge of redesigning their careers after the loss of their previous club. The women's handball league is under pressure as Ludwigsburg's licensing is in question and there is a risk of a season with only eleven clubs instead of twelve if the club is not withdrawn. The upcoming home World Cup could also suffer under these circumstances.

The current developments in women's handball clearly show how important it is for clubs and players to stick together in difficult times. Jenny Behrend is now ready to take her next steps in Oldenburg while keeping her sights firmly on her ambitions for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. VfL fans can look forward to an exciting season in which Behrend will bring her class and experience.

For more details on Behrend's return and current events in the league, visit the articles on NWZ online, VfL Oldenburg and ZDF Today.