DHB acts past the team
The separation comes as a complete surprise to the national coach and captain
May 9, 2024, 2:21 p.m
At the end of the year it will be over for Axel Kromer at the German Handball Association. Completely unexpectedly, he separated from the sports director. The team and not even the national coach know in advance. They appear “very sad”.
National coach Alfred Gislason apparently did not see the impending separation of the German Handball Federation (DHB) from its long-time sports director Axel Kromer coming. “Of course that was an issue for us,” said the 64-year-old during the DHB selection course in Copenhagen: “That was a very big surprise for us and we are of course very sad about it.”
Captain Johannes Golla, who is preparing with the team for the friendly against Sweden in Växjö on Sunday (2.30 p.m./ZDF.de) prepared, hit the same note. It was a “surprising news that came a little out of nowhere” for all players, said Golla. “It’s always a shame when someone you’ve worked well with for many years can’t continue on the path. It’s a shame that we’re losing someone who has put a lot of work and passion into the whole structure over the past few years. ” According to his own statement, Golla was unable to comment on the background to the separation. “That’s not the issue for the players to comment on publicly,” said the 26-year-old.
On Saturday evening, the DHB announced that it would not be extending Kromer’s contract, which expires at the end of the year. The decision was made at the regular executive board meeting in Bremen. Kromer said afterwards that he was “completely surprised” by the separation. He actually sees the association and the national teams “on the right track”.
DHB team has to do without Knorr
The German team is hoping for revenge in Sweden for the lost small final at the home European Championships in January (31:34). The previous training days in the Danish capital Copenhagen are part of the first phase of preparation for the Olympics. The highlight and conclusion of the measure is the test match next Sunday in Växjö in southern Sweden.
For Gislason, the game is an important yardstick. “Although we don’t have the entire squad together, things are going very well,” emphasized the Icelander, who, among other things, has to do without playmaker Juri Knorr, who is ill: “The mood is very good, we made the most of the days and are looking forward to the game .”
Captain Golla, however, warned against the experienced opponent: “We generally know what to expect. It is a well-rehearsed team that is strong in one-on-one situations,” he said. “There’s no question that we need a very good performance to keep up.”