The European Championship in January will not only set a sporting trend for German handball players, it could also have personnel consequences. DHB President Andreas Michelmann has made it clear that national coach Alfred Gislason is by no means untouchable despite a long-term contract.
If the German team clearly falls short of expectations at the European Championships, even an early separation would probably not be taboo. “It is clear that we would think about it if the team – which I do not expect – absolutely does not perform at the European Championships,” said Michelmann in an interview with “dpa”.
The starting position for Gislason is actually comfortable: the 66-year-old Icelander’s contract runs until after the home World Cup in 2027. A year and a half ago he sensationally led the DHB selection to Olympic silver.
However, according to Michelmann, this is no longer a free ticket: “After every men’s and women’s tournament, the national coaches report to the DHB management. Based on these balance sheets and analyses, appropriate conclusions are then drawn,” explained the DHB President.
European Championship goal? “From second place anything is possible”
Despite these clear words, the head of the association is confident and excited about the upcoming European Championships. Michelmann doesn’t expect the coaching question to come up at all after the tournament from January 15th to February 1st in Denmark, Norway and Sweden: “My experience is that we usually play a good tournament when we have a strong preliminary group,” he said, referring to the challenging starting position.
The German team plays all European Championship games in Herning, Denmark. Real tests await in the preliminary round with Austria, Serbia and Spain.
If they advance, they will face the full force of the international elite in the main round – with Olympic champions and world champions Denmark, European champions France, Portugal and Norway.
Michelmann doesn’t believe in the big coup anyway: “Denmark is an outstanding power and also has the home advantage. But from second place anything is possible.”