DHB Handball Team Countdown Begins for Home European Championship Adventure
For Alfred Gislason, the waiting game for the Christmas holiday break couldn't end soon enough. The head coach of the German national handball team can't contain his excitement as they gear up for the upcoming European Championships, aiming to clinch medals in front of a passionate home crowd.
To kick off the home European Championship adventure, a three-day training camp is scheduled for December 28 – 30 in Frankfurt am Main, with their 19-man squad. According to Gislason, "I'm looking forward to it more than Christmas itself." The coach anticipates these precious days to be crucial in forging stronger bonds between team members before the European Championship opener against Switzerland on January 10, 2023, in Düsseldorf.
Axel Kromer, the DHB sports director, echoed Gislason's enthusiasm, admitting that the immediate goal is for the team to develop a better collective spirit before the competition kicks off. By January 10, the German squad will be facing a mammoth challenge, welcoming an anticipated world record crowd of over 50,000 fans in Düsseldorf. Preliminary round opponents include North Macedonia and record champion France, who will be battling it out in Berlin.
Gislason relies on the electric atmosphere in the stands and acknowledges the palpable magnetism of the crowd during major tournaments like the 2007 and 2019 World Cups. His primary goal is to ignite that spark, connecting the players and the audience seamlessly.
Although intensive training is vital, Gislason also allocates crucial time to team-building activities – actions that will solidify their squad and boost team spirit. "These days are vital for us," says Gislason. "It's not just about imparting tactical knowledge but also fostering camaraderie."
Following the Frankfurt training session, the German squad will spend the New Year in Brunsbüttel prepping for the final European Championship preparations. "We'll be focusing on refining our processes and building upon those elements we've established," says Gislason.
Two crucial test matches against Portugal are on the horizon, scheduled for January 4 in Flensburg and January 6 in Kiel. Such competitions will provide the DHB team with an opportunity to evaluate their performance and work on any weaknesses, ultimately adding more depth to their defensive lineup.
The pressure is heightened with Gislason acknowledging that U-20 team midfielder Marian Michalczik and goalkeeper Julian Köster require further attention. The national coach will hold individual discussions with each player, outlining their expectations to ensure they're both mentally and physically up for the challenges that lie ahead.
The German handball team's prospects are undeniably picking up steam in anticipation of the home European Championship, as they aim to outshine their opponents and create unforgettable moments for German handball fans.
