Hrvoje, earlier than we get to HSG Wetzlar, a fast query concerning the World Cup. Do you may have an opinion on whether or not you’ll stay the coach of the Croatian nationwide group?
I finished and advised these in cost that I might totally consider 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 group 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 understand how harmful the scenario is?
Yes, in fact, and we now have 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 vitality.
Do you actually know the wrestle of relegation?
At Nexe we have been on the high. But earlier than that, in Dubrava, after I took over the group, 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 an analogous scenario to what occurred at HSG.
How does a coach intervene in such a scenario?
We have to ensure everybody provides one hundred pc and the stress is off. Otherwise, it can have a destructive impact on the person high quality of the gamers. You needn’t assume an excessive amount of about one objective: staying within the league, and you then stumble. If you observe that path, you’ll attain your objective. 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 objective. I see that we’re making ready very effectively and the kids are excellent.
But once more: what is your private evaluation of the HSG after just a few weeks?
I’m coming to a brand new group and a brand new league. I’ve an incredible ambition to take the whole lot to the subsequent stage. I take pleasure in each follow and my boys progress. Comfort, in fact, is completely different.
Is the group too quiet, not supportive sufficient, does it want an actual chief?
There is uncertainty surrounding the result, and maybe that is the place the silence comes from. The leaders at the moment are returning to the group 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 achieve confidence and peace of thoughts once they see that they’re guided. Jonas Schelker carried out effectively. But he got here into growth as a quantity two, then in a single day grew to become the primary at his place, and there was a little bit of a shock about it. I speak loads with Shchelki, additionally to guard him. We want a center man to set the tempo, to see who is in a superb 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 house video games: everybody will give their all, together with their physique language.
They appear very quiet. Are you loud?
I repeatedly do respiratory workout routines, that is why I’m calm. If I hold yelling as a coach, nobody will hear me in three weeks. It is vital to have the suitable authority within the group. It solely works for a short while with screaming and shaking. If you make a participant higher and he sees it, it is good to your repute as a coach. Of course, I realized loads from my father. His expertise can’t be present in any guide.
But your father skilled and skilled one other era of handball gamers as a coach…
Of course, with the other ways of speaking and the velocity of social media, players know the whole lot as of late. They can 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 exhausting. Another needed extra permission between departments. I’ve plenty of private calls, however they’re by no means longer than six or eight minutes. Because boys have a a lot shorter consideration span as of late.
What do you concentrate on psychological workout routines?
I had this on Nexe, it helps guys loads. 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 raise 5 tons. But the border is open within the thoughts. The HSG group has loads to supply, and I need 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 suitable 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, it’s essential to defend effectively, be composed, give 100% and extra. Especially on the subject of giving up habits, it means investing the whole lot and doing it good. It is essential to be calm within the assault, focus and take duty for every ball. This is the mantra. Hendrik Wagner strikes to the within block, so there is loads to find. I advised 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 incredible keep in December. Now we won’t strive anymore, however there are video games that we have to put together effectively. This space loves handball. We should react, encourage the viewers and take them with us.
For you who reside in Dutenhofen, there is a threat of strolling across the village after shedding and driving in a sedan chair whenever you win…
Oh, I’m Croatian. We’re world champions at throwing events at our home, and we’re additionally world champions at cursing.