VfB Lübeck starts the training week after defeat in Hannover

After the 0:2 in Hannover, VfB Lübeck is looking ahead: Before the away game at Altona 93, the new training week is primarily intended to help stabilize the tense personnel situation – and to bring more attacking power back onto the pitch in decisive moments.

Several absences at the start of the week

The defeat in Hannover was VfB Lübeck's first competitive match in 2026. The team already reviewed the match internally on Sunday. The main takeaway was that in the end, small details made the difference: In matches where few goals are scored, it is often not the number of actions in the penalty area that decides, but how consistently a team uses its chances – and how clinical the opponent is in their moments.

On Tuesday, Lübeck started preparations for the next task at 3 p.m. on the training pitch behind the guest area. The session lasted about one and a half hours – but without several players: Luca Menke is out with a metacarpal fracture. Ramiz Demir had to sit out due to muscular problems, Ware Pakia is still in recovery. In addition, Colin Ulrich (problems with the back of the thigh) and Joel Amadi (adductor complaints) were not present.

During training, there was another setback: Dardan Karimani twisted his ankle and could not finish the session.

Pfundheller returns – hope for Ulrich and Amadi

In addition to the absences, there was also an encouraging sign on Tuesday. Bjarne Pfundheller, who had recently missed out due to a knee contusion and was unavailable in Hannover, was back on the pitch and completed the entire session.

Head coach Guerino Capretti also sees a timely return for Colin Ulrich and Joel Amadi. If this is confirmed, it would noticeably expand the options in training and with a view to matchday – especially in a phase where load management and squad depth are crucial to maintain intensity and stability over 90 minutes.

Two training sessions are scheduled for Wednesday: at 11 a.m. and at 3 p.m.

Next focus is on Altona 93

The sporting focus is now on the away game at Altona 93 on Saturday. Kick-off is at 3:30 p.m. at the Adolf-Jäger-Kampfbahn. Tickets are available online; if not all tickets are sold in advance, a box office will also be available for away fans.

After the unsuccessful start to the remainder of the season, VfB Lübeck's goal is to get through the week without further setbacks – and to earn the chance to pick up points in Altona with the most competitive squad possible.

It will be crucial that the effort is also reflected in the result: fewer mistakes in the decisive zones, more consistency in finishing chances, and the necessary robustness to turn tight games in their favor.