eurohandball.com: Visiting Odense, Dortmund will start their campaign in Denmark, where you played two seasons for København Håndbold. What is the main difference between Danish and German club handball?
Kelly Dulfer: In Denmark, the game is played more tactically, they think more while playing. In Germany, it is more about physical strength and running. Individually, I have become a stronger player in Germany last season, also because I had to bear this responsibility. In Denmark I was part of a more experienced team. I prefer the more tactical game as I like to know beforehand what we are going to play. Maybe Denmark suites me better in that respect, but I think in Germany I have developed well as an individual player.
eurohandball.com: You proved last season that you can carry the team. At 26, do you feel your peak years are starting right now?
Kelly Dulfer: Yes, I like it that I got that role here and that I grew into it. In the Dutch national team, I am usually only playing in defence, but I have now proven that I can also be important in attack and that I am a complete player.
eurohandball.com: Dortmund have a lot of Dutch players, but so do Odense. Have you been exchanging messages with Lois Abbingh, Nycke Groot or Tess Wester about Saturday’s game?
Kelly Dulfer: No, in Denmark the competition started weeks ago so they had other matches that were very important and which they had to focus on. Dortmund played a friendly against Odense in early August so of course we spoke with each other then but not since.
eurohandball.com: Dortmund won that test match against Odense 22:21…
Kelly Dulfer: It was an odd game, going back and forth, and in the end, we won by one goal. But of course, you cannot draw any conclusions based on that game.
Photography © Wolfgang Stummbillig