Alfred Gislason will be restless again before the last World Cup appearance of the German handball team against Norway and fight against the inner tension. “Waiting for the kick-off before the game is the worst time for a coach. It’s agony and torture,” said the national coach during the tournament.
Otherwise, the 63-year-old Icelander conveyed an image of himself at the finals in Poland and Sweden that was previously unknown. With few exceptions, Gislason appeared calm and composed, which was well received by his young and inexperienced squad.
“You can tell that he enjoys it when the team implements what he envisions. It’s now a very good unit. Coach and team have grown together,” said captain Johannes Golla.
Much praise for the Icelander
Goalkeeper veteran Andreas Wolff also reported a lot of positive things about working with Gislason. The two of them weren’t exactly best friends at THW Kiel in the past. “He gives us a certain composure, has an incredible amount of experience and competence. He can always give us something that helps us and creates a good atmosphere,” said Wolff about the Icelander.
For him, the first normal tournament since taking office in February 2020 seemed like a liberation. Finally, Gislason could only focus on handball. It had been completely different at the 2021 World Cup and 2022 European Championship due to the corona pandemic. He was in demand as a defect manager and crisis manager.
At this World Cup he has taken the hoped-for step forward with the team. “All in all, the lads showed a very good performance. A lot has grown together,” he praised before the game for fifth place this Sunday (1 p.m. / ZDF) in Stockholm.
The players return the compliments. “I think we have a very close bond of trust, he gives us free rein, that plays a huge part in our game,” said Christoph Steinert. Nevertheless, the national coach always has his hat on. “Alfred has a very authoritarian aura, which in and of itself creates structure and order,” emphasized the 33-year-old.
DHB wants to extend contract
Assistant coach Erik Wudtke also likes the good interaction between the boss and the players. “Alfred has a certain looseness, he reflects sovereignty and self-confidence, the team accepts that,” said Wudtke. No wonder the German Handball Federation wants to extend Gislason’s contract as soon as possible. The current working paper is valid until 2024 and includes not only the home European Championship but also the Olympic Games in Paris. “We really want to qualify for that,” said Gislason.
He himself has no stress when it comes to possible contract talks with the association (“I’m not running away”), but can well imagine continuing on the path we have taken. Because the development is far from over. “I have a lot of fun with this young squad,” said Gislason.
But there are still some construction sites to be fixed. “We know that we don’t have the breadth in the squad,” said the national coach. Especially in the backcourt, where, with the exception of playmaker Juri Knorr, there is a lack of international class. “We don’t emit any great danger there,” Gislason complained.
He is therefore hoping for one or two reinforcements before the European Championships at home next year. “But I’m not speculating on who might come,” said Gislason. His task will be to supplement the team in a meaningful way without jeopardizing the team spirit that has developed.
