Rostock (dpa/mv) - The new year begins with a highlight for the Rostock Seawolves in the basketball Bundesliga. On Tuesday (8.30 p.m.) the team of head coach Christian Held will welcome FC Bayern Munich. "One of the top teams is coming to Rostock. They're extremely well-manned and extremely clever; they know how to attack incredibly well, they're incredibly good at rebounding, especially on the offensive board," Held listed some of the strengths of the guests."
The Rostock coach is therefore clear: In order to be successful against the current third in the table in the sold-out town hall, a lot has to fit in his team. "Not only do we have to have a good game ourselves and maybe hit one or the other extremely difficult throw, but of course we also have to hope that Munich doesn't have a good game," said the 34-year-old and admitted: "Otherwise they just can't be beat."
Regardless of the outcome, Held has already gained something positive from the duel: "This shows the development of basketball in Rostock over the last few years. It's a huge success that such teams are now coming to play here." Now he's counting on the support of the Seawolves supporters: "We're looking forward to the extremely full town hall, to an extremely good atmosphere and then want to give everything together with the fans to have a chance at the end of the game, maybe the game will be more surprising to be able to win."
Missing from the venture Center Gabriel de Oliveira. "Gabriel approached us with the wish to terminate the contract in Rostock in order to find a situation elsewhere in which he could get more playing time," explained Held, adding: "We have complied with the request and wish him all the best his new club and only the best for his future, both sportingly and privately."
