Gislason Future: Germany Begins Contract Talks After Egypt Wins | Handball News
Germany’s national handball team returned home Monday following two successful test match victories against Egypt, but the focus has quickly shifted to the future of head coach Alfred Gislason. With the 2027 World Men’s Handball Championship set to be hosted in Germany, the German Handball Association (DHB) has initiated discussions regarding Gislason’s contract, which expires after the tournament.
While players celebrated the wins over Egypt, a reluctance to publicly address Gislason’s future was evident. Playmaker Juri Knorr was among the few to openly express his support, stating, “I hope that things continue with him. I only know Alfred as a national coach and I am very grateful to him for everything he has made possible for me. He brought me in at a very young age and always gave me his trust.”
Many of Gislason’s players declined to comment on the matter. Backcourt player Miro Schluroff indicated he would be happy to continue playing under Gislason, but emphasized, “but that is certainly not my decision.” Renars Uscins offered a terse, “I won’t give an answer.”
DHB sports director Ingo Meckes confirmed the association intends to reach a decision before the start of the World Championship. “The process is now getting underway,” Meckes announced, predicting “exciting months” of negotiation. While he did not provide a specific deadline, Meckes stressed the importance of clarity to ensure adequate preparation for the tournament.
Gislason himself has expressed his desire to remain in his role. “I have never made a secret of the fact that I don’t want to stop playing handball after the World Cup and would like to continue working with this team,” he said. Since taking the position in February 2020, Gislason has overseen a period of significant progress for the German team, leading them to silver medals at both the Olympic Games and the European Championships.
Captain Johannes Golla highlighted the development of young players under Gislason’s leadership, noting that players like Knorr, Schluroff, Julian Köster, and Uscins all made their national team debuts during his tenure and have become key contributors. “It’s a team that has a lot of potential and we’re getting closer and closer to exploiting our potential,” Golla said, adding, “That speaks for decent cooperation.”
Despite the successes, questions remain about Gislason’s long-term future. Reports indicate that not all players or management personnel support extending his contract beyond 2027, though these concerns have not been publicly voiced. The DHB appears to be taking a measured approach, with no clear indication of a preference for either retaining or replacing the Icelander.
Gislason’s position was reportedly precarious earlier this year, following a disappointing performance at the European Championships in January, including a defeat against Serbia. However, the subsequent test match victories against Egypt have seemingly bolstered his standing. Golla emphasized the team’s commitment to maximizing their time with Gislason, stating, “We’re trying to make the best of our time with Alfred. We’re trying to continue on the path we’ve now taken together for as long as possible and as successfully as possible.” He echoed the sentiment of several teammates, adding, “It’s not a player’s decision.”