ARE ELF CHAMPIONS RHEIN IN ‘MUST WIN’ MODE?
Rhein Fire have to win Saturday night’s North Division clash with Hamburg if they are to stay in the hunt for a third straight European League of Football crown.
That, apparently, is the mood within the champions’ camp as they welcome a mercurial Sea Devils side to Duisburg for what will be their first game of the season against a direct division rival. The Fire currently trail their opponent in the standings, having gone 1-2 across the first four weeks of the campaign, with an early bye, as Hamburg lead the pursuit of early leaders Nordic Storm, who return to action this Sunday unbeaten at 3-0. The Sea Devils sit at .500 and have a chance to get some momentum rolling with their own bye week some way off.
Offense will be a particular focus for Rhein this weekend. Following the departure of OC Ed Warinner — and with head coach Jim Tomsula confirmed as absent for the remainder of the season as he deals with family issues at home in the United States — Mario Schulz will oversee the unit on an interim basis, the erstwhile wide receivers and special teams coordinator working closely with position coaches and quarterbacks Chad Jeffries and Rohat Dagdelen to formulate the gameplan.
Head coach Richard Kent, who has cut an often exasperated figure on the sidelines in Tomsula’s absence, has clear expectations of his team.
“We have to finish our own plays properly,” he insisted, having seen Rhein lose both of its home games since coming off its Week 2 bye. “Everyone on the team has a responsibility here. We didn’t do that well enough against Vienna and Paris, even though we have the potential.”
The Sea Devils will arrive in Duisburg with confidence, having celebrated its first home win of the year with a comfortable 31-14 victory over Berlin, and with both its offense and defense enjoying an uptick in form. The defense intercepted Berlin quarterback Jakeb Sullivan four times and added three sacks, while their own QB, Taulia Tagovailoa, showed more of what he is capable of going 15-of-29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns.
Despite the result, however, head coach Lee Rowland and his staff know that a more formidable task awaits in Duisburg, despite the Fire currently experiencing turbulent times.
“We’re expecting a tough game, no question about it,” defensive line coach Marius Hauber confirmed. “Even though Rhein has undergone personnel changes, it will be an intense matchup — but we have the chance to enter next week with a 3-2 record, and in Duisburg of all places.
“Our focus now is fully on preparation. We want to play our game and leave it all on the field. Our defense has shown in recent weeks that it can dominate games, so we’re building on that. We know what we’re capable of and want to prove it again this weekend.”
While Hauber’s improving unit is relying on stability and confidence, safety Lasse Meyer has other motivations going into the weekend as he faces off against other members of the 2023 championship-winning Fire side he was a part of.
“I’m particularly looking forward to the game,” Meyer smiled. “It’s always special to play against your former team. I really enjoyed my time in Düsseldorf and have many friends who will be wearing burgundy this weekend. I can hardly wait to test myself against them — and throw some trash talk their way!”
Despite the hosts being favourite for the win in the majority of opinions, Meyer and Hamburg refuse to be cowed.
“Even though many see us as underdogs, we’re going into the match with full confidence,” Meyer insisted. “We know what we’re capable of. If we fulfill our potential and minimise our mistakes, we can beat any team in this league — even the champions.”
Kickoff at the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena in Duisburg is set for 6pm CET on Saturday (14th June).
