NEWS FEATURE: World coach of the year stays until 2020 at the 2014 VELUX EHF Champions League winners
Vranjes extends his contract in Flensburg
One year ago - right after his team had sensationally won the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne - Ljubomir Vranjes was hunted by several top clubs and national federations to become their coach.
But the Swede remained in Flensburg. Now, the 41-year-old coach even extended his contract with SG Flensburg-Handewitt until 2020.
“This is a sign of continuity and a signal for the whole club,” manager Dierk Schmäschke praised the decision.
Vranjes, who was awarded World Handball Coach of the Year 2014, had had several offers like from Paris Saint-Germain (their first Champions League Group Phase opponent of the season) and some national teams, but his heart and brain told him to stay, as he had said some months ago.
"After we have agreed on long-term contracts with our key players and extended the contract with the Flens-Arena, the new contract of Ljubo is another decision for a successful future,” board member Boy Meesenburg said in a press conference.
Vranjes spoke about his new contract: “Me and my family really like being in this region. I have an great connection with this club since 2006 and after more than 450 matches as a player or coach of SG.
"And I know that I work for one of the best clubs in Europe - and we have great goals ahead of us. I am really looking forward to some successful years in future.”
In 2006, Vranjes arrived as a player in Flensburg from Nordhorn. The multiple EHF EURO and world champion played 108 matches for SG, scoring 169 goals.
In January 2009, Vranjes first became assistant coach in Flensburg, and some months later he took over the position of sporting director. And in November 2010 he was on the bench as head coach.
The most successful era of the Northern German club started and was imprinted with the stamp 'Vranjes': Flensburg won the EHF Cup Winners’ Cup in 2012, the VELUX EHF Champions League in 2014 and the German Cup in 2015.
"Ljubomir Vranjes identifies with our German-Scandinavian philosophy and lives it from the heart,” said manager Schmäschke.
The only negative news for club, fans and Vranjes on Saturday was the result of the following match against Melsungen.
The Bundesliga dress rehearsal for the start of the 2015/16 VELUX EHF Champions League season ended with a 32:33 defeat on home ground.
TEXT:
Björn Pazen / bc