The new Champions Hockey League season starts in less than forty days, and this is also what defending German Playoff champions Mannheim are preparing themselves for at the moment. For the 'Adler', the European competition starts in France.
On 7 October the team, led by veteran Matthias Plachta, face Grenoble. Although intense preparations for the game are yet to come, the 29-year-old forward knows that the French side can become a difficult opponent."I haven't played against a French team before, I only know their hockey style from the national team where I can say that playing against France never is easy. They play at full tilt and don't make it easy for us. I guess it will be the same in the CHL, and I'm looking forward to it.
"Pavel Gross will prepare us in the best possible way and make sure we peak at the moment."Matthias Plachta, Adler Mannheim
During the long wait for the start of the new season, focus needs to be be kept high - especially because the Adler will go straight into knock-out competition. "Of course it isn`t easy, but you have to take everything as it comes. (Head Coach) Pavel Gross will prepare us in the best possible way and make sure that we reach our peak exactly at the right moment. About this I have absolutely no doubts!", explained Plachta.
There is also a benefit in group motivation when season preparation takes significantly longer than players are used to. "We always exercise in groups and also see each other in our free time. This way we can make sure that no-one is having a bad patch, and everyone stays focussed. We help each other."
Mannheim finished their last DEL season as Runners-Up in the regular season, and despite the pandemic their goal of defending their Playoff title, which they won in 2019, hasn't gone away. "Ever since I've been in Mannheim we've always had to reach the highest goals. It's a pity that we didn't play the Playoffs last season as we'd have liked to have defended our title. But we can try again this season, of course!"
For the CHL, Plachta also sees clear goals and the necessary mindset to reach them. "In Mannheim we don't just take part - we play in the CHL to reach the final, and lift that trophy. We have the right people in our team and the right mindset to do this. I'm sure we'll go as far as possible."