With Bayern Munich’s surprising defeat, Alba Berlin is hoping for a new boost to climb to the top of the Bundesliga. However, a potential new signing has canceled at short notice.
For Alba Berlin, the prestigious victory against FC Bayern Munich in the German Basketball League is balm for the soul, which has been so sorely tried of late. “It was important for every single one of us. As much as we have rightly had to listen to people saying how badly we have been playing in recent weeks, we can be just as happy about this victory. Because we played very well,” said co-captain Jonas Mattisseck after the surprising 88-81 win on Sunday.
Before that, there had been nine defeats in the last ten competitive games. And in the first half, things didn’t look good for a long time. “You could see all the tension and fear,” said sports director Himar Ojeda. But this time, the turnaround came with a surge of energy against the Bayern team, who were tired at the end. “You could just see how badly we wanted it,” said Mattisseck.
Foundation for comeback
And this small comeback is now to be followed in the BBL, where Alba is still only 14th – and thus far behind its own expectations. “We said before the game: Let’s make this a start for a better second half of the season,” said Mattisseck. This win has given us a bit more self-confidence and belief.
Even if the co-captain warns: “We have laid a very, very good foundation. But we can’t be satisfied with it. We’re not getting anything for free.” And Ojeda also sees “a long way” ahead for the team.
Short-term cancellation
There was still some bad news for the Berliners, however. The signing of former Bonn player James Webb III from Turkish first division team Pinar Karsiyaka fell through. “We had actually agreed in principle. But then an offer came in from China at the last minute and he changed his mind,” said Ojeda. So the search continues.
