The reactions to Schmid’s dismissal: ‘He has done German handball an enormous service’

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Although Andy Schmid has not played in the Bundesliga for a year and a half, his immediate retirement as a handball player is also a big topic in Germany. “A true Bundesliga legend!” writes “Bild”. It is remembered that the Swiss was voted most valuable player in the Bundesliga five times in a row, became German champion twice and cup winner once. And always with the same team. “He was an icon of the Rhein-Neckar Löwen and handball,” writes the daily “Mannheimer Morgen”. Schmid played for the club from Mannheim and Heidelberg for twelve years.

Until the very last moment, Schmid managed to leave his mark on our northern neighbors. Not only traces in the past, but also for the future. “In his last year in the Bundesliga, the Swiss has done German handball an enormous service,” says the “Süddeutsche”. It is about the new key in the German national team, Juri Knorr (23), who was the center of attention at home at the European Championships and against whom Schmid also played in the opening match in front of a record crowd. The newspaper remembers Schmid’s last season at Rhein-Neckar Löwen, 2021/22. He took the young Knorr under his wing, who came to the club as a 21-year-old. “If, as many believe, Knorr would one day be the best intermediary in the world, Schmid would have played a major role in this development,” says the “Süddeutsche”.

Great Schmid Festival in 2025

In Mannheim, since his departure from Germany in 2022, the Schmidtrui with the number 2 has hung under the roof of the hall. Schmid is now also assured of honor in Switzerland. As HC Kriens-Luzern announced in his farewell statement, the number 2 on the shirt is exclusively his number within the club. From now on this will no longer be awarded. A major farewell match is also planned for 2025. Not until next year, because the brand new Pilatus Arena will be built in Kriens. Schmid already has months of experience as a Swiss national coach.

Schmid is scheduled to start his job with the national team next summer. It is entirely possible that from then on he will meet Juri Knorr again – and then see things in the German star that he himself once gave him.

Source : Blick