Bundesliga handball club Borussia Dortmund have successfully concluded the recruitment process for a new head coach: Henk Groener will take over the vacant position – initially until the end of the season – starting on 1 November. "We're absolutely delighted to bring on board a respected and renowned professional like Henk," said Andreas Heiermann, who presides over the handball department, before adding: "Henk was our first-choice candidate. He possesses great sporting competence and is also a good fit for us as a person."

Groener, who oversaw the Dutch women's national team from 2009 to 2016 and was then in charge of the DHB women's team between the beginning of 2018 and March 2022, is looking forward to the new challenge: "On the German women's handball scene, Dortmund is a place with a great deal of potential," the Dutchman commented. "For that reason, I was immediately interested when Andreas Heiermann called me."

For Groener, the switch to the club game does not represent a problem. "It gives you a lot more opportunities to work on things on a daily basis," he added. He feels BVB have obviously suffered from short-notice departures and the squad is thin, "but the team has shown energy and solidarity in their matches so far. We now need to stay calm and confident as we process the past few weeks, because a change of coach always injects momentum."

Following the signing of Groener, head of department Heiermann once again expressly thanked Andreas Kuno and Dominik Schlechter. The duo will continue to take their places in the dugout for the upcoming two games, before handing the reins over to Groener. "They immediately declared themselves willing to help amid a difficult situation. That is not to be taken for granted and everyone at BVB appreciates that greatly," declared Heiermann, continuing: "Andreas Kuno was also heavily involved in the talks with Henk Groener and had a big hand in his signing."