“I feel the energy”: Barthold is ready for the league

Sebastian, you’ve been at SC Magdeburg for four weeks now. How did you settle in?
So far it’s been great. I had my first test match in the GETEC Arena, it was incredible. We had to fight a bit at first, but in the end we got the win and I hope this is the first of many successes here in the hall.

You are already learning the German language, how are you going?
I’m trying, but it’s not that easy. I never had German lessons at school. It’s progressing step by step and maybe I’ll be able to have a little conversation soon. However, since half of the team comes from Northern Europe, I can also speak my native language. This makes it even easier to communicate.

In the meantime, your family is also here…
… This is very important to me! Having my family close by, knowing that I can always go home and feel their love, makes me happy. Handball is important to me – as it is to all the people here – but family always comes first. They mean the world to me. If they feel comfortable, I can perform better.

What is your impression of the city of Magdeburg?
I’ve been here before when I was still playing for Aalborg. But you’re usually in the hotel or in the hall, sleeping or training. That’s why I’m getting to know the city in a new way now and really like it. I was recently in the Elbauenpark with the children, which was perfect for the family. So far, everything has been great and I’m looking forward to discovering even more.

In the meantime, you have also had your first experiences with the fans. How did you experience them?
I’ve been here a few times and have always lost as a guest. It’s nice to have the fans behind us now. I feel how they react when we give everything on the field, every person gives us back everything they have. We set the pace, the joy of playing – and then they show us their energy and help us keep the points at home. This will certainly become even louder when the Bundesliga starts.

You play with the number 25, you also had the 2 and the 6 before.
The number 6 has always been special to me, I’ve had it all my life – since I was six years old, even if I don’t know why it fits together so well. My father had the number and I continued it. I had the number 2 for a short time with the national team when the 6 was taken. But there is no special meaning there. Just as little as with the 25. But I know that the 25 means a lot to SCM fans because the legendary Bezo played with it. I hope that I do justice to the jersey.

Now it’s time for your first Bundesliga season. Already excited?
It is increasing. I feel the energy and the anticipation. It will certainly be an interesting bus ride to the away game and I hope that we get the first win of the season. I’m eager to get started. One is the preparation, but the league, that’s what we live for.

What do you think will be the biggest challenges for SCM, but also for you personally?
In the Bundesliga, every game counts. Every time you step onto the field, it’s like a small final. You have to be there from the beginning. I’m used to that differently from Denmark. To exaggerate, you can play badly for six months and still become champions. I’m looking forward to that and I think I’ll enjoy it very much. I love playing big games. I love to feel the pressure. And we are certainly the ones who exert the most pressure. When it comes to everything – these are the awesome games. In Germany, that’s always the case and it’s sure to be a cool experience.

• The video of the interview is available on our Youtube Channel.