The German Ski Association may be facing a real transfer coup. As ski jumping team manager Horst Hüttel confirmed on the sidelines of the last World Cup event in Planica, the DSV is in talks with successful coach Michal Dolezal. He had announced his resignation as coach of the Polish team at the weekend.
In the camp of Polish ski jumpers there is great helplessness these days. The reason is the announcement of the resignation of coach Michal Dolezal. He said over the weekend that he had already informed his team about his plans on Thursday and spoke of a separation by “mutual agreement”.
In the association, however, they obviously see things differently. According to the Polish media, those responsible were surprised by the step. They therefore called a crisis meeting at short notice for Tuesday, where the future should be discussed.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the battle for Dolezal’s services is in full swing. Right in the middle: the German team. In conversation with “TVP sports“DSV team manager Horst Hüttel confirmed that contact had already been made.
“We talked to get to know him a little better,” said Hüttel. “He’s a very good coach and has a fine character,” added the German, who at the same time stated that the association would not make a decision on this this week or next. Therefore, the talks have not yet become concrete, says Hüttel.
Horngacher remains coach of the ski jumpers
Another decision has already been made in the DSV boardroom. According to Hüttel, coach Stefan Horngacher will continue to hold his post next season. “He stays and will be our coach next year, maybe longer. We’ll see,” said Hüttel.
It is therefore also clear: Should Dolezal actually switch to the German team, he would act as assistant coach under Horngacher. A constellation with which both are very familiar. The duo worked side by side as head and assistant coaches between 2016 and 2019, back then in the Austrian team.