Baijens: I am not the same player I was when I first played Champions League

“I learnt a lot during those two years at the Academy in Flensburg,” recalls the Netherlands national team player. “It was my first time moving away from the Netherlands, living on my own in a foreign country and I definitely evolved a lot, both as a person and a handball player.”

His transformation was obvious, especially on the physical side. “I gained eight kilos just by training a lot physically. The Bundesliga is a really tough league. You play a lot and you have to be strong to resist,” he explains. 

But then, things did not go exactly as planned. After two seasons in the north of Germany, Baijens moved to Lemgo for three years, before joining ASV Hamm-Westfalen in 2021 — a club then playing in the second Bundesliga. When you have tasted the EHF Champions League, playing in less shiny arenas around Germany might make you give up on your dreams. 

“But I never did, even though I would be lying if I said I was thinking about the Champions League when I was in Hamm,” says the 26 year old. “But I kept working, thinking that if I played well, then I might have a chance in a bigger club.”

That is exactly what happened, as HSV Hamburg called in 2022. Playing in the first Bundesliga again, Baijens kept the exact same mindset he had in Hamm: “Maybe a bigger club will call if I play well.” And play well he did. 

Baijens became a key player for the club that won the EHF Champions League in 2013 and found himself in the spotlight. “I played almost 60 minutes every game, and my ability to be a leader, on the court at least, improved a lot. As a playmaker, I was able to make decisions, to have a proper role on the court and to become a better player.”

Along with his performances with the national team, the way Baijens developed in the Bundesliga raised a few eyebrows in the offices of Champions League clubs. Paris did not hesitate too long when it came to signing him last winter. 

“It’s a privilege to play for such a big club, but I also know that I have to keep working. I definitely want to become an even better player, and playing in Paris, in such a competitive environment, pushes me to the limit every day,” he says.

Handball fans have probably noticed that Baijens joined forces with fellow Dutchman Luc Steins in the French capital. Although the newcomer has been making progress speaking French, he needs a hand from his compatriot sometimes. “Learning the language is a bit tougher for me than learning German was, but I get used to it. I know that, in training, Luc can help me if I miss a detail at some point.”

And not only does Baijens have the chance to play with some of the best in the game every day, he also has the opportunity to play the Machineseeker EHF Champions League, six years after his first taste. “I definitely missed it — playing against some of the best players in the world. I am not the same player as I was back in 2018, and I hope I can bring something to the table for my team,” he says.

After six seasons in Germany, Baijens is very much looking forward to visiting Füchse Berlin on Thursday for Match of the Week. 

“I expect a very tough game, as Berlin have been improving yearly. They have, in Lasse Andersson and Mathias Gidsel, two of the best players in the world. Getting some points there is going to be a hard task,” says Baijens, who is also ready to meet some old acquaintances in Max-Schmelling-Halle. 

“Some old friends will be coming to the game and I’m very happy to have a chance to say hello to them after the game. Travelling back to Germany is special for me anyway, as I have had so much fun there.”

Photos: Team Pics / PSG