The German Handball Federation (DHB) has reached a topic that concerns mothers and fathers every day: the compatibility of family and work. Or is it the incompatibility? The national players Fabian Wiede and Patrick Groetzki are foregoing the European Championship in January because they want to - and have to - look after their children. Even more painful were the losses that national coach Alfred Gislason had to accept at the World Cup at the beginning of this year in Egypt for the same reason: Hendrik Pekeler and Steffen Weinhold. The people of Kiel stayed at home because there were three (Pekeler) and two (Weinhold) children to look after. The experienced professionals didn't want to leave that to their wives.

It is overdue for men to take on household and parenting responsibilities;

However, parental leave and paternity leave are not feasible for handball professionals.

Or better: Father months are feasible.

But at the expense of the national team.

 "We want to improve the conditions for families together"

After all, the German Handball Federation and the HBL League Association have identified the topic: "We want to improve the conditions for the families together," says DHB Sports Director Axel Kromer, "then perhaps fewer players will think about ending their national team careers so early." The DHB has given the right thought to becoming a modern service provider.

For the moment, however, the sporting level suffers.

"It is the best possible squad under these circumstances," said Gislason when he presented the 19 players for the European Championship in Hungary and Slovakia on Tuesday: "Of course I'm not thrilled about the cancellations." He now has a young, hungry team with many beginners.

Even reaching the main round would be a success.

On the other hand, there are willing players who should form the tribe by the EM 2024 in Germany - there is a spirit of optimism.

The DHB looks envious and a little annoyed at Spain, France and Croatia, where older players naturally hold out their bones at the World Cup or European Championship year after year.

The Scandinavians are also very enthusiastic about the choice of country.

Their Bundesliga professionals are similarly burdened.

So there has to be more.

For example, that the national team has lost traction since 2016 due to poor placements.

With a title favorite, players would rather be there than with a middle-class team.

In the long term, only a reduction in the league and fewer international competitions can help to create more time with families and more enthusiasm for the DHB.

But handball has been going in circles here for years.

In this respect, Gislason would do well to take his task pragmatically.

As national coach, he will probably never train the really best players.