Hrvoje, earlier than we get to HSG Wetzlar, a fast query concerning the World Cup. Do you could have an opinion on whether or not you’ll stay the coach of the Croatian nationwide workforce?
I ended and informed these in cost that I’d absolutely think about my teaching job at Vetslar. I’ve talked to my household about it too, the twin dedication can be an excessive amount of. For now, EM and World Cup with Croatia is sufficient. Nevertheless, we had a robust match, we misplaced a degree in opposition to Denmark and we must always have gained. But we misplaced the primary recreation. The boys have been too scorching in opposition to Egypt, the workforce was too centered to qualify for the quarter finals and the Olympics. But first you need to get there. Otherwise, you’ll overlook to name in your highest efficiency at essential moments.
Which brings us to the Bundesliga and Wetzlar. HSG want high performances to outlive the relegation battle. Does everybody right here know the way harmful the scenario is?
Yes, after all, and we’ve got to be very cautious about it. Teams on the again finish are used to the scenario, particularly Minden. My gamers and I do know the place we’re within the desk. We want all our focus and power.
Do you actually know the battle of relegation?
At Nexe we have been on the high. But earlier than that, in Dubrava, after I took over the workforce, we have been nearly relegated, however then we went up and stayed in the midst of the desk. It was a tough begin to my teaching profession and it was the same scenario to what occurred at HSG.
How does a coach intervene in such a scenario?
We have to ensure everybody provides 100% and the stress is off. Otherwise, it would have a damaging impact on the person high quality of the gamers. You need not assume an excessive amount of about one aim: staying within the league, and you then stumble. If you observe that path, you’ll attain your aim. It’s not play by play, it is defensive sequence by defensive sequence, offense by offense. We should not fall into the entice of considering solely of this one nice aim. I see that we’re getting ready very properly and the kids are superb.
But once more: what is your private evaluation of the HSG after a couple of weeks?
I’m coming to a brand new workforce and a brand new league. I’ve an important ambition to take every thing to the following stage. I get pleasure from each follow and my boys progress. Comfort, after all, is totally different.
Is the workforce too quiet, not supportive sufficient, does it want an actual chief?
There is uncertainty surrounding the end result, and maybe that is the place the silence comes from. The leaders are actually returning to the workforce with Stefan Cavor and Magnus Fredriksen. It additionally means aid for others. Khaki is a giant enhance for the second half of the season. Magnus is additionally essential. Full management of the assault rests with the center man. All gamers acquire confidence and peace of thoughts once they see that they’re guided. Jonas Schelker carried out properly. But he got here into growth as a quantity two, then in a single day turned the primary at his place, and there was a little bit of a shock about it. I discuss rather a lot with Shchelki, additionally to guard him. We want a center man to set the tempo, to see who is in an excellent temper and who is not. Magnus defuses the scenario and exonerates Jonas. I make a promise to the followers who hope to faithfully come to the sector, and who I naturally belief at our dwelling video games: everybody will give their all, together with their physique language.
They appear very quiet. Are you loud?
I repeatedly do respiration workouts, that is why I’m calm. If I preserve yelling as a coach, nobody will hear me in three weeks. It is essential to have the precise authority within the workforce. It solely works for a short while with screaming and shaking. If you make a participant higher and he sees it, it is good in your popularity as a coach. Of course, I discovered rather a lot from my father. His expertise can’t be present in any guide.
But your father educated and educated one other era of handball gamers as a coach…
Of course, with the alternative ways of speaking and the velocity of social media, avid gamers know every thing lately. They will even discover that your coaching as a coach is poor. To handle them, you need to perceive them. One desires you to stroke him, the opposite must work laborious. Another wished extra permission between departments. I’ve a variety of private calls, however they’re by no means longer than six or eight minutes. Because boys have a a lot shorter consideration span lately.
What do you consider psychological workouts?
I had this on Nexe, it helps guys rather a lot. How do you cope with stress? Everyone has a knot to resolve someplace. Biceps or quads have their limits, you’ll be able to’t elevate 5 tons. But the border is open within the thoughts. The HSG workforce has rather a lot to supply, and I wish to uncover these reserves myself. But in the long term, psychological coaching additionally helps each skilled athlete.
An instance is Vladan Lipovina, who till now has solely partially used his artwork. How to resolve the issue with the precise again three gamers?
I do not know why Vladan Lipovina performed like that. One factor is for certain: Stefan Cavor is coming again, Jovica Nikolic is younger and able to growth. We are considering of giving up the participant and strengthening ourselves in one other place for a short while.
For protection?
In the relegation battle, you have to defend properly, be composed, give a hundred percent and extra. Especially in terms of giving up conduct, it means investing every thing and doing it good. It is essential to be calm within the assault, focus and take accountability for every ball. This is the mantra. Hendrik Wagner strikes to the within block, so there is rather a lot to find. I informed him: All opponents needs to be afraid of you.
On Saturday we journey to Flensburg for the cup after which Hannover come to Wetzlar to renew the Bundesliga. Is a brief preparation time sufficient?
I had an important keep in December. Now we won’t attempt anymore, however there are video games that we have to put together properly. This space loves handball. We should react, encourage the viewers and take them with us.
For you who dwell in Dutenhofen, there is a danger of strolling across the village after dropping and driving in a sedan chair while you win…
Oh, I’m Croatian. We’re world champions at throwing events at our home, and we’re additionally world champions at cursing.