Head coach Filip Jicha faces an unclear future at handball record champions THW Kiel. Although the Czech’s departure, which an online portal recently reported on, has apparently not yet confirmed that there will be a separation, it is by no means unlikely. A potential successor to the former backcourt player is now closing the door on a move to the Fjord.
On Sunday, the online portal “Handballbase” reported that THW Kiel would start the new season without head coach Filip Jicha. Accordingly, after internal discussions, it was decided not to continue on the path with the Czech. According to “RTHandball” and “Sport Bild”, the end has not yet been decided, so the consultations will continue for around two weeks.
As the sports newspaper reports, there are initial speculations that Talant Dujshebaev, an absolute star coach, could take over on the fjord. The 58-year-old is quitting as head coach of Kielce after twelve years. Although the former Bundesliga professional from GWD Minden is still working as France’s national coach, the veteran actually wanted to remain involved in club handball.
THW Kiel: “Not a single contact” with Dujshebaev
But now Dujshebaev is striking a completely different note. “I’m taking a break from club handball for the next year and will only focus on the French national team,” he announced in an interview with “handball-world”: “My wife doesn’t want me to work for a club again, but only for the national team. During this time I’ll see whether that’s enough for me in the long term or not.”
A move to THW Kiel would be off the table for the time being anyway. According to his own statement, Dujshebaev doesn’t yet know anything about the zebras’ interest. “I don’t want to lie: There hasn’t been a single contact with the people from Kiel. Neither with me nor with my advisor,” clarified the former world-class backfield man, who played for Spain and the Soviet Union.
Otherwise, a commitment to the Bundesliga would certainly have been interesting for Dujshebaev. His sons Daniel (for MT Melsungen) and Alex (for VfL Gummersbach) have found their new sporting home in Germany.