Yann Hippert does not return home alone

Yann Hippert will no longer win a title with the HB Esch. In the trophy, the defending champion was eliminated in the quarter -finals against Berchem, in the championship the gap to the top trio is too great. In summer, the back room player returns to his home club after three years. « Back then I didn’t get the times that I wanted in Dudelingen. I wanted to develop in Esch. I succeeded, » says the back room player.

Last Saturday, the 25-year-old software developer played for the last time in the Escher jersey against Dudelingen. There was a 24:28 defeat in the home game. Hippert scored three goals. « We survived the first half. In the second round we had big problems with the Düdelinger defense. In addition, we gave top -class opportunities and collected many simple goals after loss of ball. »

The game was not particularly moving for him. « It may be emotionally when I cope with the HBD on the last match day at the Escher jersey. It was also special when I played against my old team for the first time, » says Hippert, who lived in Dudelingen.

It has been clear for a long time that he returns to his home club. The club managers had contacted him during the season, the change modalities were clarified at an early stage. « I am convinced of the concept of the HBD to continue the path with young local players. The fact that I still live in Dudelingen made my decision easier. In addition, my brother (Frank Hippert) also plays at the Hbd. »

Loris Labonté also goes

He does not want to miss the experiences that he has gained in Esch in recent years. « I learned a lot and got a lot of playing time. » He is not the only player who leaves the team towards Düdelingen. Loris Labonté also switches to the HBD. « We get along very well. He does a lot for the team and is very committed in the defense. But he also has qualities in the attack and can prevail in the circle or in the back. I am pleased that he too is changing to Dudelingen. »

With Esch, the two top performers have made up a lot. « We have to win against Käerjeng and Standard to secure fourth place and thus the European Cupplatz. Maybe we can annoy another team. » On Saturday, the Escher will meet Käerjeng from 8:15 p.m. Hippert and Co. were able to win the first leg with 28:27.

« Käerjeng developed well and even got a point against Dudelingen. To win the game, we need a strong defense and solutions in the attack, » he says. In the absence of the injured Enes Agovic and the battered Ognjen Jokic, Hippert will have to take on even more responsibility in one of his last games in the Escher jersey.