New Coach Takes Charge at Crailsheim Merlins
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In a rapid turn of events, the Bundesliga club Hakro Merlins Crailsheim bid farewell to their coach, Nikola Markovic (41), on Monday evening. In an unprecedented move, they managed to present his replacement just a day later.
Welcome aboard, Jussi Laakso (47)!
The German Basketball League's (BBL) lowest-ranking team has recruited the Finnish coach, who previously led the Helsinki Seagulls from 2019 to 2023. Under his guidance, the Seagulls won three national cups and clinched the championship in his final season.
Post-winning stint, Laakso decided to pursue new ventures. His LinkedIn profile, boasting the tagline "opentowork," served as a testament to his quest for fresh opportunities in the world of sports.
And now, he's found a new home.
From Helsinki Seagulls to Crailsheim Merlins
Ingo Enskat, the Merlins' sporting director, commented about the transition, stating, "Recently, we didn't witness much development within the team. This change was a vital step to inject some fresh energy into the team and instigate positive change. Laakso has left a strong impression on us through personal discussions over the past few days. He now gets the chance to kick off his work with the team and lead them towards further growth alongside the players."
Mark your calendars, as Laakso takes the reigns for the Merlins' home game against MLP Academics Heidelberg, starting Monday.
Jussi Laakso's impressive tenure with the Helsinki Seagulls has earned him the role of guide for the struggling BBL team, Crailsheim Merlins. With a background in open job opportunities, as highlighted on his LinkedIn profile, he's eager to lead the Merlins towards victory in the upcoming Easycredit Basketball Bundesliga fixtures.
Previous reports indicate that it was Arne Woltmann who led the Merlins to a 98:83 win against MLP Academics Heidelberg on February 13, 2024[2]. However, it appears there might be a miscommunication, as Jussi Laakso has yet to make his debut.
For the latest information and updates, visit the Crailsheim Merlins or the official BBL announcements.
Sources:
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During his time with the Seagulls, Laakso led them to three national cup victories and a championship title before leaving for a change of scenery.({"segment": "enrichment", "data": "Regarding their plans for the upcoming game against MLP Academics Heidelberg, the Crailsheim Merlins have already played and won this game under their new coach, Arne Woltmann, not Jussi Laakso. The Bamberg Baskets, under Head Coach Arne Woltmann, defeated MLP Academics Heidelberg 98:83 on February 13, 2024, securing their first win under his leadership[2]."})
After his departure, the Merlins sought a knowledgeable and experienced coach to bring a new perspective and energy to their team. Ingo Enskat, the Merlins' sporting director, emphasized that the team had not seen significant development recently, making a change essential for their growth.({"segment": "enrichment", "data": "It seems there might be a mix-up in the names of the coaches. If Jussi Laakso is indeed the new coach, there is no detailed information provided about his plans or strategies for the upcoming games. However, the team's performance under Arne Woltmann suggests a positive start to their season. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it would be best to refer to the latest news from the Crailsheim Merlins or their official announcements."})
[2] https://www.bild.de/
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