Unrest after the storm in German handball

The successful Olympic qualification did not mask the irritable mood at the German Handball Federation (DHB). The question involuntarily arose as to how the association management and national coach planned to survive the next three years, as the start was overshadowed by accusations, vanities and insinuations. Due to the unsuccessful communication regarding the new contract with Alfred Gislason, the DHB had maneuvered itself into an awkward situation – and Gislason played his part in the fact that in Hanover it was almost only about him and his contract.

The mood only brightened when his team qualified for the Olympic tournament in Paris by beating Austria 34:31 on Sunday. Gislason hugged his players, laughed and said, looking at his papers, which run until the end of February 2027: “I’m really looking forward to continuing to accompany this very young, talented team.”

Before the tournament in Hanover, Gislason had considered giving up. He was so annoyed that, according to his statements, the DHB had broken the agreement to conceal the crucial clause – that the contract would only come into force if the team qualified for Paris. He continued out of “loyalty” to the team, Gislason claimed and criticized: “The situation around me meant there was too much pressure on the team.” That’s why they played so “over the top” in the 30:33 draw against Croatia on Saturday.

The DHB, in the person of President Andreas Michelmann and Sports Director Axel Kromer, put a good face on the poor game, tried to explain in detail why the contract was concluded this way and not differently and announced to the public, including the clause.

This creates room for speculation

But as with the “Pekeler case” in January, the impression remained that the association management only discussed the bare minimum with Gislason. This creates room for speculation – which became so large at the weekend that Gislason’s resignation seemed possible despite having failed to qualify for the Olympics. The fact that the 64-year-old completed the Days of Truth taciturn and annoyed contributed to this.

Basically, he sees his role in building a relatively new team as insufficiently appreciated by the public. The expectations are also too high. But what other than great expectations should one associate with the engagement of such a well-known coach? Coming fourth at a home European Championship and now struggling to reach the Olympic Games at home is fine, but it’s not an explosion in performance.

You don’t hear hymns of praise for Gislason from the team, but rather pragmatic solidarity: “The relationship is good,” said Juri Knorr, “I don’t know any other national coach and it can stay that way for the time being.” Gislason has him, Julian Köster, Renars Uscins and also helped the 34-year-old Christoph Steinert to play central roles in the DHB selection. Marian Michalczik and Nils Lichtlein will become more important. The team is standing.

Frank Heike Published/Updated: Recommendations: 9 Frank Heike, Hannover Published/Updated: Recommendations: 4 Frank Heike, Hannover Published/Updated: Recommendations: 2

But it crunches in many places. Gislason limits the cooperation with assistant coach Erik Wudtke to the bare minimum. A confident and charming salesman in the position of national team manager would help the DHB. Best candidate: Stefan Kretzschmar. But he extended his contract with Füchse Berlin in December until 2026.