From teacher to success coach: SCB trainer Tapola not only has the dog Eeva under control

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During the photo session in the rose garden of Bern among tourists from all over the world, SCB coach Jussi Tapola (49) calls his dog Eeva. The Golden Retriever follows every word. If his players listen to the Finn almost as well, the Bernese can still go a long way.

A first step has been taken, a successful start with 18 points from nine games and a third place. Tapola’s handwriting is already recognizable. He gave the team an edge and gave the game structure. The man who led Tappara Tampere to Champions League victory and the national title last season exudes more authority than his predecessors Lundskog and Söderholm.

Years ago, there would have been no indication that Tapola would make a name for himself in ice hockey. As an active player he only played in the second and third division. “I didn’t have the career I dreamed of,” he admits. He lacked the right attitude and exceptional skills. Instead of being a hockey player, he becomes a teacher. He teaches ten to twelve year olds in all subjects.

“I immediately realized: this is what I want to do.”

How did an insignificant player become a top coach? “I am also surprised that I have been able to achieve success with my teams,” says Tapola with a hearty laugh. «When I was asked to coach a junior team, I immediately liked it. Then I got the chance to work as a professional U20 coach. And here I am, still doing the same job. I was lucky to work with a lot of good people.”

Was it difficult for him to decide to leave his teaching job? “No, and I’ve never regretted it. When I started coaching, I immediately realized: this is what I want to do.”

He was always learning. “As a coach you have to be humble enough to know that you don’t know everything,” says Tapola. “About ten years ago, players started asking questions and no longer just taking instructions. In the past, communication was top-down. Now we have to give coaches answers.”

Tapola often travels by bicycle

To prepare for his second foreign adventure – in 2018 he spent six months in the KHL with the Chinese club Kunlun in Shanghai – and to expand his sports vocabulary, he watched documentaries such as ‘The Last Dance’ about basketball in the summer . Michael Jordan or the football series “Sunderland ‘Til I Die”.

The 49-year-old can express himself well in English and also understands written German, although he finds the dialect confusing. He sees it as an advantage that he does not have to talk too much in the foreign language during meetings. “The players certainly appreciate it. My speeches are short and simple.”

Tapola describes herself as “good with people, demanding but honest, humorous, stubborn, hardworking and a positive thinking person.” He lives in Ittigen BE with his wife Mia, son Miska (15) and daughter Siiri (14), while his eldest son Jere (30) lives in Finland. He often travels by bike and has long explored the Bern region and knows everything about his new home. As a sports fan, he was in Wankdorf when YB secured their Champions League ticket. And when the passionate tennis player heard that Roger Federer had already been to SCB matches, he expressed his desire to get to know the maestro.

Source : Blick