Gudmundsson: "I'm not a revolutionary"

It came as a big surprise to everyone as German club Rhein Neckar Löwen last week replaced their coach Ola Lindgren with Gudmundur Gudmundsson – even for the new coach himself. He signed a five years contract in Mannheim.

The Icelandic – who despite his new role will remain national coach of his home country – has the aim is to build one the best teams in the world.

And the first step towards this objective was accomplished with the sensation victory in Barcelona in the first round of the VELUX EHF Men’s Champions League.

eurohandball.com: Your engagement came very fast and surprising. How was the run-down last week?

Gudmundur Gudmundsson: It was a very fast decision, indeed. Club Chairman and Main Sponsor Jesper Nielsen offered me the job one week before the match against Barcelona. I had to think it over but then agreed very fast, as it is a very interesting task to work with this team.

eurohandball.com: Before that you were scout and sports director of Löwen and AG Copenhagen. How often did you see your new team before in this season?

Gudmundur Gudmundsson: I saw almost every match, so I know the team quite well. But it’s one of my major tasks in the upcoming weeks to get to know every player better.

eurohandball.com: What’s your impression of the team?

Gudmundur Gudmundsson: It’s a squad consisting only of top players, and a team that has all chances to play successful. We have world class players on every position, so we can reach all our objectives.

eurohandball.com: You’re coach of the Icelandic men’s national team, too. Will you remain in this position?

Gudmundur Gudmundsson: Yes, nothing will change as I have a contract with the Icelandic Federation until the Olympics in London 2012. I don’t want to quit that great job, as we have plans with the national team, too.

eurohandball.com: Three Icelandic internationals are in the Löwen squad – was this another reason to sign this contract in Mannheim?

Gudmundur Gudmundsson: No, not at all. It was the perspective to join one of the best clubs of the world. I have been a coach for 22 years, and now I have this great chance to work on a big project.

eurohandball.com: What are your objectives?

Gudmundur Gudmundsson: We have short-term objectives and long-term objectives. In a short term I will discuss our goals with the team for the current season – but we want to be on top in all competitions we play. That goes without saying when having players like the Löwen have.

eurohandball.com: And the long-term objectives?

Gudmundur Gudmundsson: My contract runs for five years. And in this time we want to develop a world class team.

eurohandball.com: A team to win the VELUX EHF Champions League?

Gudmundur Gudmundsson: The title in this league is one of our objectives. But to participate at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 is another objective. We have the intention to form a team with highest demands. This is the goal of the club and it’s my goal, too.

eurohandball.com: What kind of handball should your team play in future?

Gudmundur Gudmundsson: My teams play aggressive, especially in defence to get in ball possession and to start counter attacks. But in attack we should be able to play patient and intelligent, too. Overall, good organisation is the key.

eurohandball.com: What will you change in the upcoming weeks?

Gudmundur Gudmundsson: Every coach has his own style. Of course I will change certain things, but in the beginning it will only be little things. I’m not a revolutionary, it will be a process for weeks and months.

eurohandball.com: Can you count on certain things?

Gudmundur Gudmundsson: I will not destroy everything, as the team plays some good tactics. But you have to adjust the team on every opponent – and not all concepts work for all opponents.