TOn who will be almost 15 years old Alfredo Gislason Heiner Brand was the national handball coach. But if Gislason fulfills his contract at the end of February 2027, he would already be a national team coach for an impressive seven years, and then he would be 67 years old. Which brings us to the criticism of Gislason's new contract: even after the European Championship, there were voices in the Bundesliga who would have liked a younger coach for a comparatively young team: In the concert of the greats, Gislason is by far the greatest driver.

This is due to respect for others and a wealth of experience, as stated by the German Handball Federation (DHB) also prompted us to extend the working papers with the 64-year-old Icelander until after the World Cup in Germany in January 2027. In the footnote of the contract there is a not so small “unless”: the new base only will materialize if Gislason takes his team to the Paris Olympics.

If Germany loses the top two spots against Algeria, Croatia and Austria in Hannover in mid-March, its successor would arrive on July 1. A sensible passage the DHB has included, and the timing of the announcement seems appropriate too.

lack of courage

Since the executive board meeting earlier this month, Gislason knew he could continue working with his team. What was grandly called “analysis” was more of an indication of where he sees the team's strengths and weaknesses. There was no real resistance in the association, which wants peace and quiet and has Gislason as a coach, who clarifies all problems with confidence and humor and leaves leg room for others.

That respects the scene. But criticism came from the league (and the team), mostly off the field: the attacks were too schematic, the defense little variable. Furthermore, Gislason has been sticking with the establishment for too long. In general: very little courage! Which he missed again when he ignored Magdeburg right winger Tim Hornke for the Olympic qualification and relied on weaker but proven players.

In fact, one might have expected more variety in play and more courage in personnel selection from younger candidates like Florian Kehrmann or Maik Machulla. At Gislason you know what you have. That was enough for DHB to continue with him, because reaching a semi-final for the first time since 2019 was considered a success, regardless of the “how”.