Handball · Global
Xenia Smits reflects on rebuilding her role after club upheaval
The German international returned to Metz following Ludwigsburg’s financial collapse.
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Xenia Smits discussed her return to Metz and the development of her defensive role in an EHF interview. The German international rejoined the French club after Ludwigsburg’s bankruptcy disrupted the team before the 2025 World Championship, drawing on an established relationship with coach Emmanuel Mayonnade.
Smits began at a Belgian academy before moving to Germany as a teenager and gaining German citizenship alongside her Belgian nationality. Her career later included a European League title and a Champions League final with Bietigheim, reflecting progress through several different playing environments.
A shoulder injury had previously reduced her shooting power, making defence particularly important at Metz. She said a complete player still benefits from contributing in both phases, while team achievements mattered more to her than individual recognition and remained central to her assessment of success.
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