After seven years as national coach of the DSV Adler, Stefan Horngacher returned to Poland after long and difficult negotiations. After it was initially unclear exactly what tasks the 56-year-old would take on as “training coordinator”, an increasingly clear picture emerges. National coach Maciej Maciusiak is very impressed by the first few weeks.
“It’s really great,” said the 44-year-old in an interview with “Interia Sport” when asked about the collaboration with the Austrian: “Of course we still have to get used to each other in some respects, but so far everything is going exactly as we all imagined and agreed. We’re all working together and that’s very nice.”
Recently, the president of the Polish association, Adam Małysz, revealed that Stefan Horngacher plays an important role in the everyday life of Polish ski jumpers. “He sees himself as a trainer, as a kind of advisor and leader. I was even at a training session where Stefan led the unit and introduced certain changes together with the trainers. It’s great that he is so actively involved,” explained the “Polish Eagle” in an interview with “TVP”.
Ski jumper: Ex-national coach “brought a lot of momentum”
With his presence, the 56-year-old “brought a lot of momentum to our processes,” said Maciej Maciusiak, pleased with the input from the former DSV national coach: “Stefan is there at every one of our training sessions and also works with the B team.” Quite surprising, after all, Horngacher was actually brought in by the PZN as coordinator and liaison for the young talent and the World Cup team.
But now the experienced trainer seems to be active again as a trainer and involved in the units. Apparently successful so far. “All of us – both the staff and the athletes – have the feeling that everything is fine at the moment. Everyone is very motivated, focused and we are working on it,” emphasized Maciusiak, referring to the ongoing winter preparations.
Compared to the full Olympic season, the situation is currently much more relaxed. “Everyone only had this goal in mind. Now it’s easier, but on the other hand we want to take a big step forward, because next season we want to fight for the top places. And on all fronts. Not just in the World Cup,” the Pole set the direction.