ALL EYES ON – MARKUS BAUR

MARKUS BAUR: A HANDBALL LEGEND WITH A CLEAR VISION FOR HG SAARLOUIS

Markus Baur is a firm fixture on the German handball scene. As a world champion, European champion, Olympic silver medallist and professional with top international clubs, he has experienced handball at the elite level. 

Today, he is using his many years of experience as a player and coach in a new role: as sports director of HG Saarlouis. In the latest episode of All Eyes On, Baur candidly discusses his decision to join the traditional Saarland club, his objectives and his vision for sustainable growth at HG Saarlouis – in sporting and structural terms.

A GO-BETWEEN WITH GLOBAL HANDBALL EXPERIENCE

Baur has now been in his new role for nearly a year: he describes himself as serving as a moderator and go-between within the club. He views himself as an interface between the coaches, players, management and club board – a task heavily built on communication and trust. He considers personal interactions to be particularly important: in his view, a fair tone, mutual respect, and good relations across the entire club are the bedrock of any sporting development.

SETTING THE COURSE: NEW COACH, CLEAR DIRECTION

One of his first acts as sports director was to appoint a new coach. Jörg Lützelberger – a coach who fits the club’s profile on both a sporting and a human level – took on this role just under a year ago. The club’s success has proven this to be a good decision: HG Saarlouis are currently sitting confidently at the top of the 3. Liga Südwest and are firmly on track to be promoted.

However, Baur also understands that winning the championship alone will not be enough: the top two teams must also battle their way through a challenging promotion round in order to move up into the second division. ‘There are teams that have reached the promotion round three or four times but are still in the third division’, Baur realistically noted.

The former national player emphasised the importance of sustainable planning. The club’s structures, environment and squad all need to grow in parallel. ‘It is about ensuring good planning and implementation and further developing the team. And the luck factor – having all your players on board at the right time – is what we are working towards. You need a bit of that too.’

SAARLOUIS LIVES FOR HANDBALL

Markus Baur’s favourite thing about Saarlouis is the environment. HG Saarlouis is a long-standing club with many years of history that still enjoys a packed hall at every home game. Tickets are highly sought-after and there is consistent support from the stands – a new hall is urgently needed, ‘but that is a whole other topic’, Baur said with a smile.

‘We have a huge opportunity to build something here. Saarland locals are very proud and supportive of their team. That allows us to make a difference and build something together.’ Baur also highlighted the numerous volunteer helpers – both in the youth division and on the first team’s match days.

Despite having spent time at various major clubs both in Germany and abroad, Baur views Saarlouis as unique: ‘I have played for major clubs. But how the club here is constructed and how people live for it – that is truly something special.’

I have played for major clubs. But how the club here is constructed and how people live for it – that is truly something special.

This shared feeling is likely to have a greater impact on the region. Baur is seeking to establish HG Saarlouis as a firm fixture on the German handball landscape – with strong sporting ambitions, solid structures and an approachable feel.

ALL EYES ON MARKUS BAUR: LOOKING BACK – AND LOOKING AHEAD