Despite his Icelandic origins, the European Handball Championship in Germany is something very special for national coach Alfred Gislason. “For me it is without question a home tournament because I feel very connected to Germany. I am definitely Icelandic, but this year I will have spent half of my life in Germany,” said the 64-year-old German Press agency about the importance of the finals from January 10th to 28th.
He is very much looking forward to “experiencing a tournament at home,” confirmed Gislason and added: “It is not without reason that I stayed in Germany for so long. I like it here, I feel very comfortable here. I am also a historian big Germany fan.” Gislason played for TuSEM Essen in the Bundesliga from 1983 to 1988 and worked as a coach at various German clubs from 1997 to 2019. In February 2020 he took over as national coach. He has lived in a small town near Magdeburg for more than 20 years.
The only thing that was difficult for him was “playing against Iceland” with the DHB team. It’s a bit strange when you’re on the other side during the national anthems, Gislason revealed. At the European Championships there could be a clash with the selection of his home country in the main round.
In general, Gislason feels great anticipation for the mega event in six German cities. “In 2007 I was the national coach of Iceland and experienced the uniqueness of a tournament in Germany,” he said. Back then, the halls were full even for games without German participation. “I have never experienced that anywhere else in the world,” praised Gislason.
